Subway Joeys seal 4-3 friendly win over Switzerland U-16

The Subway Joeys have claimed a 4-3 win over Switzerland U-16 in a modified friendly at the Stadio Comunale Ascona on Thursday evening (AEST).

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE

The 120-minute contest contained four 30 minute intervals as both sides experimented with tactics and personnel in an entertaining clash in the Swiss Alps.

Brisbane Roar prodigy Quinn MacNicol was impressive with a brace as the Aussies dominated until the final stages with the scoreline somewhat flattering Switzerland after the concession of two late goals.

For Brad Maloney’s side, this was their first hit-out together as this newly assembled squad – comprising of players born in 2008 and 2009 – represents a new qualification cycle for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025™ scheduled for April and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™.

Danilo Lebrino opened the scoring for the hosts with a tidy finish from a cutback but the Swiss lead was only fleeting as MacNicol equalised courtesy of a low effort across the goalkeeper on nine minutes.

MacNicol fired the Aussies in front on 55 minutes for his second, and in the 71st minute Amlani Tatu made it 3-1 via a close-range attempt which flew beyond the goalkeeper. 

In the 107th minute, David Bolongi added another, bundling the ball over the line from inside the six-yard box after combining brilliantly with Max Anastasio. The attacker latched onto the end of Anastasio’s cross following a slick one-two move in the build-up.

Switzerland cut the deficit in the dying moments thanks to Erwin Mahic’s double. He first struck from a corner and then a clinical one-on-one finish, in what proved the final kick of the game as Maloney’s squad held on for the victory.

Starting XI (Quarters 1 and 2): 12.Jai Ajanovic (GK); 3.Hayden Thomas, 4.Jayden Necovski (C), 2. Malual Nichola, 5.Christian Pullella; 10.Nickolas Alfaro, 16.James Houridis, 22.Quinn MacNicol; 20.Jordan Graoroski, 19.Antonio Arena, 11.Amlani Tatu 

Starting XI (Quarter 3): 1.Oskar Von Schrenk (GK); 21.Rhys Williams, 4.Jayden Necovski, 2.Malual Nichola, 13.Besian Kutleshi; 15.Alex Bolton, 17. Alexi Houridis, 8.Danilo Treffiletti; 18.Max Anastasio, 9.Marcus Neill, 11.Amlani Tatu

Starting XI (Quarter 4):  1.Oskar Von Schrenk (GK); 21.Rhys Williams, 14.Feyzo Kasumovic, 15.Alex Bolton, 13.Besian Kutleshi; 6.Gianluca Okon, 17. Alexi Houridis, 8.Danilo Treffiletti; 18.Max Anastasio, 23.David Bolongi, 7.Noah Slunjski

SUBWAY JOEYS SQUAD | AIS INTERNATIONAL CAMP | MATCH SCHEDULE