Melbourne City’s next generation of talent played a key role in Australia being crowned ASEAN U19 Boys’ Champions, with five City representatives helping the Young Socceroos lift the trophy on Saturday night.
Beckham Baker, Medin Memeti, Peter Antoniou, Lachie Charles and Lawrence Wong were all part of the Australian squad that defeated Thailand 2-0 in the Final at North Sumatra Stadium, securing the nation’s sixth ASEAN U19 title.
Baker was on the scoresheet in the decider, doubling Australia’s lead after Alexander Garbowski had opened the scoring, as the Young Socceroos capped off an impressive tournament campaign in style.
Memeti also enjoyed a standout tournament, finishing as the competition’s leading goalscorer and claiming the Golden Boot after scoring five goals across Australia’s run to the title.
The City forward was a constant attacking threat throughout the competition, helping Australia progress through the Group Stage before reaching the Final with an important 1-0 Semi-Final victory over hosts Indonesia.
City’s youngsters faced a familiar opponent in their Semi-Final win, taking on club teammate, Mathew Baker, in front of an incredible home crowd.
Antoniou, Wong and Memeti all started the Final against Thailand, while Baker made a decisive impact by finding the back of the net to help secure the championship.
Australia opened the tournament in emphatic fashion with a 10-0 victory over the Philippines before a 2-2 draw with Cambodia secured progression from the Group Stage.
A stoppage-time winner in the Semi-Final against Indonesia booked Australia’s place in the Final, where goals from Garbowski and Baker sealed a deserved 2-0 win.
For City’s young representatives, the championship success is another significant milestone in their development and adds to an exciting period for the Club’s Academy pathway.
Attention will now turn to the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers later this year, with City’s youngsters looking to build on their international success in green and gold.
