Sydney FC to strengthen squad ahead of tough Asian campaign

With Sydney FC’s Australia Cup defence already over, the Sky Blues have switched their focus to the start of their AFC Champions League Two campaign.

Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay plans to add to his squad. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay plans to bolster his squad with a centre-forward, midfielder and central defender ahead of the Sky Blues’ upcoming AFC Champions League Two campaign.

A Sydney team featuring a host of youngsters was bundled out of the Australia Cup on Tuesday night NPL Victoria club Oakleigh Cannons.

The Sky Blues’ shock 3-1 loss at Bundoora ended their Cup defence at the round-of-32 stage.

“We were fairly young but we’re disappointed that we lost the game and we’re out of the Cup,” Talay said.

“There were a lot of good learning moments for all those young players that we had out there on the park.

“The reality is it was a young group and a lot of good opportunities for all those young players to recognise what it takes to step up and play at that level.”

Sydney’s side was missing star import Joe Lolley, who is recovering from shin surgery, suspended midfielder Anthony Caceres, as well as injured pair Max Burgess and Pat Wood.

However, the Sky Blues team did include Germany-born, former Morocco under-23 international midfielder Anas Ouahim, who scored Sydney’s only goal, a first-half penalty.

Anas Ouahim (left) is congratulated by Sydney FC teammates after scoring against Oakleigh Cannons. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“Anas had some good moments with the ball, but he’ll grow when he gets to understand more what we want from him and once we sign some players around him that can help him,” Talay said.

“There’s a bit of stuff happening in the background at the moment, but hopefully in the next couple of weeks we get a few players on board.

“We still want to recruit players in certain positions. We definitely need a No.9, we’re currently looking for a No.6 as well, and a central defender.

“The A-League has always been a salary cap competition. You’ve got to find ways, and think outside the box to try to make these things happen.”

Sydney’s campaign in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two – Asia’s second-tier competition behind Champions League Elite – starts in mid-September.

The Sky Blues will play friendly matches in the next two weeks against NPL NSW team Blacktown City and A-League rivals Macarthur FC.

Originally published as Sydney FC to strengthen squad ahead of tough Asian campaign