Teenage sensation left out as Marco Tilio and Garang Kuol named in Olyroos squad for under-23 Asian Cup
Socceroos pair Marco Tilio and Garang Kuol will spearhead Australia’s bid for Olympic Games qualification after being named in the Olyroos squad for the AFC under-23 Asian Cup.
The attacking duo were both in Australia’s squad that reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, while Tilio was also chosen for the Socceroos’ Asian Cup campaign earlier this year.
Tilio, who has returned to Melbourne City on loan from Celtic, is one of 15 A-League players selected in coach Tony Vidmar’s 23-man Olyroos squad.
Kuol, whose older brother Alou is also in the squad, is currently on loan to Dutch outfit FC Volendam from English Premier League club Newcastle United.
However, the squad doesn’t include Adelaide United teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda.
A host of eligible players – including Socceroos duo Alessandro Circati (Parma, Italy) Patrick Yazbek (Viking FK, Norway), Nicholas Bilokapic (Peterborough United, England), Calem Nieuwenhof (Hearts, Scotland), Cameron Peupion (Brighton, England), Nectarios Triantis (Hibs, Scotland) – were unavailable for selection due to their overseas club teams not being obligated to release them as the April 15-May 3 tournament in Qatar does not take place in a FIFA international window.
“I’ve been open and honest with my disappointment that the Asian Cup falls outside of a FIFA window, but we knew access to players would be a challenge and it’s something we’ve planned for in recent months,” Vidmar said.
“I just feel for those who’ve not been given the opportunity to join us, as representing your country at any level is something you never forget, and they would have benefited greatly from the experience.”
However, Vidmar is confident the players he has chosen can earn Australia a spot at the
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