The Qantas Young Matildas have commenced their final preparations for next month's FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship qualifying tournament with a convincing 3-1 win over New Zealand in Canberra this afternoon.
Victorian-based midfielder Amy Jackson starred with two superbly-taken goals in the opening 12 minutes of the match that was played at the Australian Institute of Sport. The first was a well-placed 20 metre drive, and the second a lofted shot over the advancing goalkeeper.
Servet Uzunlar struck the post soon after as the home side dominated the majority of the first half.
The New Zealanders fresh from a 2-1 win over the NSW Institute on Monday rallied and struck the woodwork before scoring in the 70th minute following a goalmouth scramble.
However the result for the home team was rarely in doubt and Leena Khamis ensured victory when she executed a well-placed volley over the goalkeeper with 13 minutes remaining.
Collette McCallum captained the side in the absence of regular skipper Sally Shipard, who along with Kylie Ledbrook, was rested ahead of Friday's second and final match against New Zealand at the AIS.
Australia will contest Group 2 of the preliminary qualifying tournament in early March against Singapore, Myanmar and host-nation Thailand. If successful the Qantas Young Matildas will then compete in the final stage of qualifying in Malaysia in April.
The 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship will be played in Russia in September.