The CommBank Junior Matildas have opened their ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championship 2025 campaign in style, overcoming Thailand 2-1 in a hard-fought clash in Surakarta, Indonesia.
In scorching conditions, Australia wasted no time taking the game to the defending champions. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when Aeryn Tarrant’s curling free kick found Maeve Nicholas, who rose above the defence to head home the opener.
The CommBank Junior Matildas continued to press but had to wait until the 67th minute to extend their advantage. Vice-Captain, Kaya Jugovic, unleashed a stunning long-range strike from outside the box, doubling Australia’s lead and sending the bench into celebration.
Thailand refused to go quietly, pulling a goal back in the 87th minute to set up a tense finish. With seven minutes of added time, the reigning champions pushed hard for an equaliser, but Australia’s defence stood tall under pressure.
The 2-1 result gives the CommBank Junior Matildas an ideal start to their campaign, showcasing both their attacking flair and resilience against one of the tournament’s toughest opponents. They currently sit atop the Group C table ahead of their next clash against Singapore on Saturday evening at 10:30pm (AEST).
Match Details
CommBank Junior Matildas: 2 (Nicholas 16’, Jugovic 67’)
Thailand: 1 (Tirapalika 87’)
Tournament: ASEAN U16 Girls’ Championship 2025
Date: Thursday, 21 August 2025
Kick-off: 3.30pm WIB / 6.30pm AEST
Venue: Sriwedari Stadium, Surakarta
CommBank Junior Matildas XI: 1. Annabelle Croll (GK), 2. Willa Pearson, 4. Keira Sarris, 5. Liana Luong, 6. Aeryn Tarrant, 7. Claire Corbett, 8. Kaya Jugovic, 9. Matilda Dias Wadewitz, 13. Maeve Nicholas, 20. Sakura Leong, 22. Hayley Muir
Starting substitutes: 3. Arabella Ryan, 10. Leyla Hussein, 11. Zoe Panagopoulos, 12. Amelie Millar (GK), 14. Jada Taylor, 15. Mikaela Gavranic, 17. Mary, Dal Broi, 18. Dali Gorr Burchmore (GK), 19. Sarena Elborogi, 21. Theo Mouithys Mickalad
CommBank Junior Matildas next match:
Singapore v CommBank Junior Matildas
Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025
Kick-off: 7.30pm WIB / 10.30pm AEST
Venue: Sriwedari Stadium, Surakarta
