The CommBank Young Matildas have commenced their AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ with a resilient 2-1 over Korea Republic in challenging conditions at Do’stlik Stadium, Tashkent.
After heading into the break 1-0 down, goals from midfielder Peta Trimis and vice captain Naomi Chinnama saw the Aussies claim a memorable victory in cold and snowy conditions in the Uzbek capital.
Australia’s goals in the second stanza were sparked by half time changes from Leah Blayney including Newcastle Jets’ speedster Lara Gooch.
In the 73rd minute Gooch lifted a perfectly weighted ball over Korea’s midfield, falling neatly into the path of Trimis. The 17-year-old Central Coast Mariners’ midfielder made no mistake, calmly tucking away the equaliser.
The winner came as regulation time wound down with another substitute, Kahli Johnson (Western United), forcing a corner as the game approached stoppage time. Korea Republic were unable to clear with Gooch providing a composed pass to Melbourne City’s Chinnama. On the edge of the area, the defender hit the pass first time leathering it into the back of the net.
“It’s such a surreal feeling. I’m just so happy to get the win for the girls and obviously to get my first goal, it was such a good feeling,” Trimis said after the match.
“I’ve never played anything like that. It was such a shock but I think we adapted well in the end and I’m so happy to get the win with the girls.”
The CommBank Matildas will next face tournament hosts Uzbekistan on Wednesday, 6 March (10.00pm AEDT) with all the action live on 10 Play.
