Joeys close in on FIFA World Cup qualification after big Afghanistan win

The Joeys are 90 minutes away from FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification after dispatching 10-man Afghanistan 4-0 at the AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia.

Joseph Roddy and Noah Botic both bagged braces to seal progression to the knockout rounds as runners-up behind Korea Republic in Group D.
 

Trevor Morgan's team will now meet Indonesia in the Quarter Finals, with the winner guaranteed a place at Peru 2019.

Needing a win to be certain of progression, the Joeys' task was made easier in the 17th minute as Afghanistan goalkeeper M Sharif Aminzada was shown a straight red for handling the ball outside his area.

Roddy had earlier opened the scoring at point-blank range and it was to be one-way traffic from there as he and Botic took command.

MOMENTUM: Joeys beat reigning champions Iraq

Roddy turned provider for his team-mate's first midway through the half and then completed his brace with a cool low finish on the stroke of half-time.

When Rockdale City Suns striker Botic showed determination to notch a second on the hour, the Joeys could relax knowing they points were well and truly safe.

They never looked like giving up a clean sheet and, after defeating reigning champions Iraq last time out, will take plenty of confidence into the do-or-die clash with Indonesia on Monday.

"I'm happy with several aspects. I'm obviously happy with winning and scoring the goals we did," Morgan said after the match.

"[Indonesia] are an excellent team. We watched them last night.

"They will have a lot of support, so it will be a good environment, but we feel confident we can win that match."

Feature image: The AFC