Shepparton’s Alou and Garang Kuol power Olyroos into international final

By Liam Nash

Mar 25, 2024

Kicking goals: Shepparton’s Garang Kuol, pictured here on Socceroos duties, scored a crucial goal for the Olyroos on Sunday. Photo by AAP/Scott Barbour

Alou and Garang Kuol have shot Australia’s under-23 football side into an international final.

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Shepparton’s star siblings each scored for the Olyroos in the West Asian Football Federation Under-23 Championship, landing the Aussies a date with Korea Republic on Wednesday morning.

On Thursday, older brother Alou led the line at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium in game one.

With the Olyroos already a goal up against Iraq, Kuol split the defensive lines with a savvy run in behind and converted with a left-footed, first-time finish to double his side’s lead.

Australia went on to clinch a 2-1 win over Iraq, setting the stage for a blockbuster against Egypt on Sunday.

It was here where younger brother Garang’s time in the sun came.

The 19-year-old forward bore down on goal in the 15th minute — coincidentally, the same minute as Alou’s goal — and earned a penalty by goading the Egyptian keeper into a rash challenge inside the box.

Kuol stepped up to the mark, lashing home the spot kick into the bottom right-hand corner to push Australia into a 1-0 lead early doors.

However, six minutes later Egypt levelled the pegging.

The score remained in a deadlock at the full-time whistle, forcing the game to a penalty shootout where the Olyroos took the spoils.

Now, the Kuols’ focus shifts to Korean Republic.

The ex-Goulburn Valley Suns duo will suit up for the West Asian Football Federation Under-23 Championship final on Wednesday at 7am (AEDT).

It will be their last chance to impress Olyroos coach Tony Vidmar ahead of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, which kicks off against Jordan on April 15.