The squad will depart this evening after spending time over the past week preparing for their Group A fixtures against Nepal, Myanmar, and Uzbekistan at the AIS in Canberra.

The Young Matildas will need to finish in the top two of Group A in order to join Thailand (hosts), Japan, DPR Korea, China PR, and other yet to be determined nations at the eight-team 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship in October and November this year.

The top three nations at the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship will advance to the 2020 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

“Our upcoming matches in Mandalay will be crucial for the ongoing development of the Young Matildas,” van Egmond said.

“We have a clear target in Myanmar, and that is to secure qualification for the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship so that we can set our focus on FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualification.

“We will also be aiming to see progress in individuals and the team on the international stage."

Two notable names in the squad are Fowler sisters Ciara and Mary. Ciara, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level could make her Australia debut.

Meanwhile, Amy Sayer could make her return to the pitch after being on the sidelines since last November with a foot injury.

Australia has not reached a U20's Women's World Cup since 2006. Back then now Matildas Clare Polkinghorne and Lydia were part of the squad which finished ninth in Russia.

YOUNG MATILDAS SQUAD

Morgan AQUINO (Gk)
MelindaJ BARBIERI
Chelsea BLISSETT
Kyra COONEY-CROSS
Leah DAVIDSON
Shadeene EVANS
Ciara FOWLER
Mary FOWLER
Rosaria GALEA
Charlotte GRANT
Annalee GROVE (Gk)
Emily HODGSON
Angelique HRISTODOULOU
Princess IBINI
Rachel LOWE
Courtney NEVIN
Hollie PALMER
Susan PHONSONGKHAM
Olivia RIDDEL (Gk)
Indiah-Paige RILEY
Karly ROESTBAKKEN
Amy SAYER
Tessa TAMPLIN

Match Schedule

Young Matildas v Nepal U-19
Date: Friday, 26 April 2019
Venue: Mandalarthiri Stadium, Mandalay, Myanmar
Kick-off: 3.00pm (local); 6.30pm (AEST)

Myanmar U-19 v Young Matildas
Date: Sunday, 28 April 2019
Venue: Mandalarthiri Stadium, Mandalay, Myanmar
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local); 9.30pm (AEST)

Young Matildas v Uzbekistan U-19
Date: Tuesday, 30 April 2019
Venue: Mandalarthiri Stadium, Mandalay, Myanmar
Kick-off: 3.00pm (local); 6.30pm (AEST)