Australia suffer semi-final loss to Saudi Arabia at Asian Under-23 Cup

Disadvantaged following the first-half dismissal of Jay Rich-Baghuelou, Australia has tasted defeat in its Asian Under-23 Cup semi-final.

Saudi Arabia has knocked a 10-man Australia out of the Asian Under-23 Cup with a 2-0 semi-final win in Tashkent.

Goals from Hussain Al-Eisa and Ayman Yahya secured the Saudi Arabians a berth in the final against tournament hosts Uzbekistan, who beat Japan 2-0 in the other semi-final.

Trailing 1-0 after Al-Eisa’s 20th-minute goal, the Australians were denied an equaliser on the half-hour mark when captain Tyrese Francois’ volley hit the crossbar.

Worse was to follow for Australia’s under-23 team when defender Jay Rich-Baghuelou was sent off six minutes before halftime for kicking out at Yahya.

The Saudi Arabian attacker recovered to double his side’s lead in the 72nd minute.

The Australians had a chance pull a goal back in stoppage time via a penalty, but Ramy Najjarine’s spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

𝐅𝐓 | Defeat in the Semi Final at the hands of Saudi Arabia.

On to Saturday’s #AFCU23 third place play-off. pic.twitter.com/PjItgNZnha

— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) June 15, 2022

In what was a lengthy stoppage-time period, Saudi Arabia also had a chance soon after to increase its lead from the penalty spot, but Australian custodian Joe Gauci saved Abdullah Radif’s effort.

Interim Australian under-23 coach Trevor Morgan said: “Losing a player in the first half didn’t do us any favours.

“I’m disappointed with the scoreline as it’s not a true reflection of the two teams that played today.”

Saudi Arabia coach Saad Al-Shehri said his team “caused problems” for Australia with a “high-pressing strategy”.

The Australians will now prepare for Saturday night’s third-place playoff against Japan.

Originally published as Australia suffer semi-final loss to Saudi Arabia at Asian Under-23 Cup