Young Matildas topple Uzbekistan for first win

Australia defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 at the AFC Under-19 Women's Championship in China to claim its first win at the tournament.

The Young Matildas scored its first win against Uzbekistan. (AFC) Source: AFC

A goal from Australia midfielder Ayesha Norrie was the difference between the sides for the majority of the contest, until defender Chloe O'Brien made it 2-0 in the final stages.

The Young Matildas' victory at the Jiangsu Training Base Stadium, was its first of the campaign and helped seal third place in Group A.

Unfortunately it wasn't be enough though to ensure Australia advances to the semi-final stages, with Japan and China going through from the group.

The match started well for the Young Matildas with defender Brooke Miller's early effort unfortunately striking the woodwork.

After a goalless half hour at Jiangsu Training Base Stadium, Norrie eventually opened the scoring on 36 minutes with a fine effort to give Australia a slim lead its dominance deserved at half-time.

Further efforts to add to the advantage were denied by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Laylo Tilovova and her defenders, but a late goal deep into stoppage time from defender O’Brien proved enough to end the Young Matildas hunt for their first points of this year’s continental competition.

"It was a steady performance from my team after losing the first two games, they were a little bit down but it was a composed showing today," Young Matildas coach Ante Juric said.

"Uzbekistan bunkered down and defended well and we need to learn how to break teams down who play like that, especially in Asia, it’s a lesson for us to learn."

"We were happy what with we saw in our girls at this tournament and we’re looking to develop a pool of strong players going forward."