Five Sydney FC players have been selected to represent Australia in an under 23 representative team to compete at the 2022 AFF Women’s Championships in Manilla, Philippines.
Goalkeeper Jada Whyman, defender Jessika Nash, midfielders Mackenzie Hawkesby and Sarah Hunter, as well as forward Princess Ibini are part of Head Coach Melissa Andretta’s squad to face the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia in Group A of the tournament commencing on 4 July 2022.
Andreatta expressed her anticipation of facing the best nations in the South-East Asian region and the opportunity ahead for the team.
“It’s an exciting time and to be preparing for an international tournament is something I’ve been really looking forward to. I know this group of players are too,” Andreatta said.
“The 28 players that we’ve selected are some of our brightest young prospects in Australian football.
“They have been selected as players that have performed strongly in the A-League Women’s season and then have moved into different environments and continued to perform consistently.
“They have shown qualities that we’d like to see tested at the next level and potentially identify a player for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™.”
All but two members of the squad are aged 23 and under with Larissa Crummer and Matilda McNamara selected.
Six members of the squad have recorded full senior international appearances with eight players participating in the recent June FIFA Women’s International Window in Spain and Portugal with the Matildas.
A further 15 players were featured in Leah Blayney’s Young Matildas squad that took part in the recent two-match international series between Australia and the Junior Football Ferns last month.
“There’s a lot that gets me excited about this group and their quality. These players have shown some unique qualities that we think could add to what we already have and create more depth and competition in the extended Matildas squad.
“I’m eager to see these players take this opportunity with both hands and really test themselves against the best in South-East Asia.”
Australia will kick off their tournament against hosts the Philippines on 4 July at Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan.
AUSTRALIA FIXTURES:
Philippines v Australia
Date: 4 July 2022
Venue: Biñan Football Stadium, Biñan
Kick Off: 7.00pm (local) / 9.00pm (AEST)
Thailand v Australia
Date: 6 July 2022
Venue: City of Imus Grandstand, Imus
Kick Off: 7.00pm (local) / 9.00pm (AEST)
Australia v Indonesia
Date: 8 July 2022
Venue: Biñan Football Stadium, Biñan
Kick Off: 4.00pm (local) / 6.00pm (AEST)
Singapore v Australia
Date: 10 July 2022
Venue: Biñan Football Stadium, Biñan
Kick Off: 4.00pm (local) / 6.00pm (AEST)
Australia v Malaysia
Date: 12 July 2022
Venue: City of Imus Grandstand, Imus
Kick Off: 7.00pm (local) / 6.00pm (AEST)
AUSTRALIA SQUAD | 2022 AFF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS
Alexia APOSTOLAKIS
Chelsea BLISSETT
Naomi CHINNAMA
Larissa CRUMMER
Leah DAVIDSON
Chelsie DAWBER
Jynaya DOS SANTOS
Daniela GALIC
Sheridan GALLAGHER
Katie GODDEN
Charlotte GRANT
Mackenzie HAWKESBY
Winonah HEATLEY
Sarah HUNTER
Princess IBINI-ISEI
Sally JAMES
Caitlin KARIC
Abbey LEMON
Chloe LINCOLN
Hana LOWRY
Matilda McNAMARA
Jessika NASH
Jamilla RANKIN
Cushla RUE
Amy SAYER
Ella TONKIN
Jada WHYMAN
Paige ZOIS
