Mariners International Round-Up: Nisbet makes Socceroos debut and Kuol scores three for Olyroos

It was an International Break to be proud of for the Mariners Family, as Josh Nisbet was awarded a first international cap for the Socceroos, whilst Alou Kuol was in fine form for the Olyroos in the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Under-23 Championship.

Nisbet came off the bench in the 67th minute as the Socceroos ran out 5-0 winners over Lebanon in front of a capacity crowd in Canberra on Tuesday evening.

Kuol scored three in two games for the Olyroos over the past week, including a brace in the Final on Wednesday morning.

Tony Vidmar’s team started with a 2-1 win over Iraq, with Kuol scoring Australia’s second goal after 15 minutes.

With the win they advanced to the semi-final against Egypt. Alou was rested, but his brother and former Mariner, Garang, was on target in a 1-1 draw and Australia won 2-1 on penalties.

Our number nine came back into the starting eleven for the final, and took just 11 minutes to break the deadlock, sweeping home Jacob Italiano’s cross after a brilliant move down the right hand side from the Olyroos.

However, a strong response from South Korea saw them level on 26 minutes, before taking the lead just after the hour mark.

Kuol then made it 2-2 on 72 minutes with a finish from close range and the game ended that way, heading to penalties.

Alou stepped up first and did his bit, calmly slotting down the middle but South Korea went on to win the shoot-out 4-3.

Both Nisbet and Kuol will now travel back to Central Coast to rejoin Mark Jackson and the team as preparations ramp up for a huge game against Sydney FC on Saturday evening.

And our international representation doesn’t stop there. Young goalkeeper Jai Ajanovic has been selected for the Subway Joeys Squad ahead of the AIS International Camp in April.

The team travel to Italy for a two-week camp where they will train at the Australian Institute of Sport European Training Centre in Varese from April 5-19, playing two friendlies against Switzerland U16s and Inter Milan FC U17s. 

Brad Maloney’s 24-player squad features some of Australia’s most promising talents born in 2008/09, as this age group begins its journey through a new qualification cycle. 

Following extensive scouting and monitoring over the past 12-months, this will be the first camp Maloney – also a current Subway Socceroos’ Assistant Coach – has called for this age group, as the Subway Joeys look ahead to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2025™ scheduled for April and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ (via Football Australia).

More information: Subway Joeys start new World Cup cycle with Italy camp

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