The Olyroos' dream of playing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris suffered a blow when they lost 1-0 to Indonesia in qualifying in Qatar.

Australia have not scored in two games at the men's AFC Under-23 Asian Cup, and coach Tony Vidmar's side may have suffered a terminal blow after Indonesia's Komang Teguh scored just before halftime to give the tournament debutants a shock win in Doha.

The nightmare scenario for Australia at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium unfolded after 20-year-old forward Mohamed Toure had a 25th-minute penalty saved by Indonesia goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi.

The result left the blunt Olyroos with just one point from their two games, and the prospect of not even reaching the knockout stages of a tournament in which they have to finish third to guarantee a place in Paris.

Qatar won the later game, 2-1 against Jordán, to guarantee qualification for the knockouts with a maximum six points, and Vidmar's side must now beat the hosts on Sunday to give themselves any chance of qualifying.

But the Olyroos' fate is out of their hands, having drawn against Jordan 0-0 in their opening match, and their Paris ambitions are finished if Singapore beat Jordan.

The Olyroos' vaunted attack, featuring Garang Kuol, Alou Kuol and Toure, once again failed to spark, with only four of 16 attempts on target.

Meanwhile, Komang's close-range headed goal was Indonesia's only effort on target in four attempts.

Australia went closest to scoring when Toure, moments after his penalty miss, headed against the crossbar from a corner.

World Cup hero Garang Kuol went on as part of a triple substitution in the 75th minute, with Vidmar getting ever more desperate, but the side failed to break down a stubborn defence even with 11 minutes of time added on.

The other game ended dramatically, with Qatar's Mohamed Manai heading the winner in the 13th minute of added time, after which the VAR deliberated for six minutes before confirming the goal.

The goal could spell curtains for the Olyroos' hopes of joining the Matildas in Paris.

Source:
courtesy of ESPN

by ESPN NEWS

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