Australia started their 2023 AFC Asian Cup campaign on a positive note after they had dispatched India 2-0 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan on Saturday.
Experiencing early frustration in the opening period, Australia managed to clinch victory with goals from Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos. The match also marked a historic moment as Yoshimi Yamashita became the first woman to officiate an AFC Asian Cup match, receiving assistance from fellow Japanese referees Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi.
Australia initiated the game on a strong note, creating two opportunities in the initial minutes. Aziz Behich’s attempt outside the box went wide, and Mitchell Duke failed to direct his header on target from a Craig Goodwin free-kick. Despite Australia’s offensive dominance, India had a chance to take the lead in the 16th minute when Nikhil Poojary’s excellent work on the right flank set up a crossing opportunity for the legendary Sunil Chhetri, whose diving header narrowly missed the mark.
In the following minutes, a shaky clearance by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who was under pressure from Duke, allowed Australia to regain possession high up the pitch. However, the imposing Bengaluru FC goalkeeper swiftly recovered, denying Connor Metcalfe’s goal-bound shot.
Throughout the first half, the Socceroos remained on the offensive, creating multiple chances, but were hindered by poor finishing and resolute defending. Despite 11 corner kicks, Australia couldn’t capitalize.
Australia broke the deadlock only five minutes into the second half, courtesy of a fortunate moment. Gurpreet’s push on a Martin Boyle cross inadvertently set up FC St. Pauli’s Irvine, who calmly slotted home.
India had a fleeting opportunity in the 69th minute, with a challenge in the middle of the pitch causing the ball to spin behind Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, but it rolled away harmlessly.
However, India’s hopes were extinguished four minutes later when Australia, the 2015 Asian Cup champions, doubled their lead. Two substitutes, Ryan McGree and Bos, collaborated effectively, with McGree evading Subhasish Bose before providing an assist for Westerlo man Bos to tap in from close range.
Australia will face Syria on their second match on Thursday, while India are set to take on Uzbekistan.
Saturday’s other matches saw two 0-0 draws being played out, between Tajikistan and China at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha and Uzbekistan and Syria at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, also in Doha.