Alou Kuol lights up the WAFF under-23 championship with two goals for the Olyroos in the final

By Liam Nash

Mar 27, 2024

Brilliant brace: While away from Central Coast Mariners duties with the Olyroos, Shepparton’s Alou Kuol scored two goals in the WAFF Championship Final. Photo by AAP/Morgan Hancock.

Australia may have lost the West Asian Football Federation under-23 Championship Final, but national scouts needn’t look further than Alou Kuol to lead the line in future years.

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On Wednesday morning, the Goulburn Valley gem stepped up with two diamond strikes for the Olyroos against the Korea Republic (AEDT).

In a cruel twist, however, younger brother Garang condemned Australia’s under-23s to defeat in the most brutal manner - penalties.

The Olyroos and Korea Republic were locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes at Saudi Arabia’s Al Fateh Stadium, sending the game to spot kicks where Garang, the last of Australia’s penalty-takers, saw his shot saved.

Older brother Alou had netted his 12-yard kick earlier, but his younger sibling’s faux pas handed the Reds a 4-3 win in the shootout.

There was no stealing Alou’s limelight during regular time, though.

The 22-year-old Shepparton product slotted a cutback during the 11th minute to put Australia 1-0 up, making a tricky finish look routine as only he could.

Korea Republic replied midway through the first half and again on the hour mark to go 2-1 ahead, but Kuol wasn’t done with his gunslinging act.

He bundled home a quick counter for his third goal of the tournament and to lock proceedings up at 2-2, and less than 20 minutes later, he was putting the ball in the net again - albeit in the shootout.

Up stepped Kuol first for the Olyroos, burying his penalty with aplomb.

When it came around to Garang’s turn, however, Korea Republic custodian Jeong-Hoon Kim proved to be the hero with a fine save to win the championship for his country.

Despite the Olyroos failing to win the final, both Kuol brothers had fine tournaments and have hardly damaged their chances of a call-up to Australia's senior side.