Western United young gun Kahli Johnson has been named in Leah Blayney’s Young Matildas squad for the upcoming AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.
A regular at youth international level, this will provide Johnson with a first opportunity for international competition football since the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
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Johnson and her teammates will be hoping to return to that stage this year, with the top four teams at the Asian Cup earning qualification for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The 19-year-old has been in superb form for Western United this season with her three goals already eclipsing her previous career total entering the 2023/24 campaign.
Having returned to full fitness after missing a portion of the season due to injury, Johnson has returned to top form and will now go in search of international success.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato said Johnson’s form this season and the opportunity for competitive football with the national team were continued positives for her development.
“We are continually delighted with Kahli’s progress on and off the pitch. She is maintaining fantastic growth and continues to apply herself and work hard,” he said.
“We are pleased for Kahli to have this opportunity to further her development and experience in a competitive international tournament, with silverware and World Cup qualification on the line.
“We wish Kahli, Leah and the squad all the very best in Uzbekistan and look forward to watching their progress.”
The Young Matildas have been drawn in Group A in the eight-team tournament, taking on the hosts Uzbekistan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.
The two teams across the two groups will each move directly into the semi-finals and book their place at the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Johnson will join her teammates in camp from next week with the tournament running from March 3-16.
