Young Socceroo Panagiotis Kikianis named in squad for U20 Asian Cup qualifers
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Panagiotis Kikianis is one of 23 players named in the squad for Australia’s upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China Qualifiers in Saudi Arabia.
Having been drawn into Group D, the Young Socceroos will play their fixtures out of Prince Sultan Sports City Stadium against Afghanistan, Macau, Palestine and Saudi Arabia (home).
The preliminary stages of the tournament will also serve as qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Kikianis is amongst a number of emerging A-League players in the team, joining the likes of his Adelaide United teammates Luka Jovanovic, Fabian Talladira and Johnny Yull.
In July, the Greek Aussie was offered the first five-year contract in A-League history.
Making his debut in the Round 15 clash against Central Coast Mariners last season, Kikianis’ exceptional performances, including a last-kick goal against Perth Glory, have made him a fan favourite at United.
Head Coach Trevor Morgan said his squad has been building towards this for some time and are looking forward to the challenge.
“Our planning over the last 12-18 months has been about progressively building depth, experience and belief while refining our style of play ahead of these Qualifiers and ultimately ensuring we’re at the U20 Asian Cup in 2025,” Morgan said in a Football Australia announcement.
“The staff see real talent in these players with many progressing into A-League Men squads across the country. It’s an exciting group who thoroughly deserve to be in this position.
“The boys have had some fantastic results against difficult opposition recently and we’ve shown what we’re capable of when we play our football – it’s important we now execute that in a tournament-style setting with plenty at stake.
“We know the conditions and the opposition will be tough, especially with so much to play for and securing a result in this type of situation will not only galvanise us as a group but illustrate the mentality we’ve built throughout this cycle.”
The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams will qualify for the 42nd edition of the AFC U20 Asian Cup which will be held in China PR from February 6-23, 2025.
Schedule
Afghanistan v Young Socceroos
Monday September 23
Kick-off: 4.00pm local / 11.00pm AEST
Young Socceroos v Macau
Wednesday September 25
Kick-off: 4.00pm local / 11.00pm AEST
Palestine v Young Socceroos
Friday September 27
Kick-off: 4.00pm local / 11.00pm AEST
Young Socceroos v Saudi Arabia
Sunday September 29
Kick-off: 8.00pm local / 3.00am AEST (Monday September 30)
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
