The death of Awer Mabil's sister has cast a tragic pall over the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign.
Mabil's 19-year-old sister Bor died in a car accident in Adelaide hours before Friday's 1-0 quarter-final defeat to the UAE in Al Ain.
The teen was one of five passengers in the Audi sedan when it crashed into a fence at Andrews Farm in Adelaide's north at about 12:30am. She died at the scene, South Australian police said.
"Early Saturday, Football Federation Australia (FFA) learned of the tragic passing of Bor Mabil, sister of Socceroos forward Awer Mabil, following a car accident in South Australia," FFA said in a statement.
"FFA is providing support to Awer, his teammates, and Socceroos staff in the United Arab Emirates."
The driver of the car, a 19-year-old man from Davoren Park and three other passengers received minor injuries and were taken to the Lyell McEwin Hospital.
South Australian police said the driver was arrested and charged with aggravated causing death by dangerous driving and driving disqualified.
He was refused bail and will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
It's a devastating way for Mabil's first tournament with the national team to end - especially given he'd provided most of Australia's highlights in a largely underwhelming campaign.
Pre-tournament injuries to key attacking weapons Aaron Mooy, Daniel Arzani and Martin Boyle, thrust Mabil from emerging talent to vital player in Graham Arnold's set-up.
Awer Mabil celebrates after scoring a goal against Syria in their AFC Asian Cup. Source: AAP
It's one he took with both hands as he - and fellow youngster Chris Ikonomidis - sparked Australia's campaign after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Jordan with starring roles in the victories over Palestine and Syria.
Mabil scored in both those games - with his stunning strike against Syria and the worldwide headlines generated by the mental health campaign behind his goal celebration arguably the high point of the Socceroos' Asian Cup title defence.
From there though, old frustrations arose as the Socceroos floundered in front of goal.
Uzbekistan were overcome in a penalty shootout after 120 goalless minutes before another blank - Australia's third from five matches - ended in a 1-0 loss to hosts the UAE and elimination.
