Side by side: Shepparton duo Alou Kuol and Garang Kuol shared the pitch for the first time in the Olyroos’ 3-2 victory over Mediterranean Select last week. Photo: Tournoi Maurice Revello
Brothers Alou and Garang Kuol have shared the field at international level for the first time, helping spark the Olyroos to a key victory at the Maurice Revello Tournament in France last week.
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The Shepparton duo featured in Australia’s starting XI in its second group game against Mediterranean Select on Friday, June 9, with the Olyroos – Australia’s under-23 men’s team – prevailing 3-2.
Garang was the star of the show for the green and gold, collecting two assists and the player of the match award as Australia claimed its first victory at the tournament.
Alou too looked threatening up top for the Olyroos, coming agonisingly close to scoring on multiple occasions.
It was almost a dream start for the Kuols as they came within inches of combining for Australia’s opening goal inside the opening six minutes.
Garang chased down a long ball in behind Mediterranean Select’s back line and cut the ball back across towards a charging Alou, who couldn’t quite get his foot on the pass.
Fortunately, Garang’s pass made its way through to an unmarked Nishan Velupillay at the back post, with the Aussie tucking home the Olyroos’ first goal.
Garang and Velupillay were at the forefront again 15 minutes later as Australia soon doubled its lead.
Star showing: Garang Kuol shields the ball in Australia's 3-2 win over Mediterranean Select on Friday. Garang's stellar performance earned him player-of-the-match honours. Photo: Tournoi Maurice Revello
After collecting the ball in midfield Garang skipped past a would-be tackler as he charged forward.
Shooting from range his strike could only be parried the by Mediterranean Select goalkeeper Henrique Tavares, with Velupillay making no mistake in front of a wide open goal.
Australia had a two-goal buffer, but that was soon eroded as two Mediterranean Select goals levelled the scores at half-time.
In the search of a breakthrough, Alou twice came close to restoring the Olyroos’ advantage.
His first chance – a shot from a wide position inside the box in the 63rd minute – narrowly crept past the wrong side of the post and his second chance was even closer still.
With the scores tied at the 83-minute mark, Alou met a low cross in the middle and his shot was bound for the bottom corner, only to be kept out by a spectacular save by Tavares.
It seemed as if the points were destined to be shared, but Ryan Teague’s nice finish from close range in the 85th minute ensured Australia came away with the victory.
It was an important result for Australia, which now has a chance to finish on top of its four-team group.
Following a defeat on penalties in the opening game against Qatar – a result where the Olyroos earned one point – Australia will take on Mexico with first place on the line.
An Olyroos victory in the clash at 10pm on Monday, June 12 will have Australia win the group, while a draw or defeat will advance Mexico to the finals.
