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<\/p>\nMelbourne City\u2019s Academy talents made an outstanding start to the AFC U17 Asian Cup this week, playing leading roles for both the Joeys and Indonesia across the opening round of fixtures.<\/p>\n
With City representatives featuring heavily, the opening matchday provided another exciting glimpse into the bright future emerging through our Academy pathway.<\/p>\n
Baker shines as Indonesia stun China<\/p>\n
One of the standout stories of the opening round came from City defender Mathew Baker, who captained Indonesia in their clash against China and produced a match-winning performance.<\/p>\n
The talented defender played the full 90 minutes and delivered the decisive moment late in the contest, producing a brilliant long-range pass over the top in the 87th minute to assist Indonesia\u2019s winner in a 1-0 victory.<\/p>\n
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Baker\u2019s rise continues to gather momentum ahead of what shapes as a huge 2026, with the defender recently speaking to FIFA<\/a> about his development and time at City.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been incredible. I joined at 12 and signed my first professional contract at 16.\u201d Baker said in an interview with FIFA.<\/p>\n The journey through the youth ranks towards the senior team has been fast and challenging. I\u2019ve worked so hard for it, but the job isn\u2019t finished yet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cMy goal is to make my A-League debut next season and help the team have a successful 2026\/27 campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n The teenager also spoke proudly about the opportunity to represent Indonesia on the international stage, with the result placing his side in a strong position early in the tournament.<\/p>\n City stars fire for the Joeys<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s U17 National Team also opened its campaign in style, recording a dominant 4-0 win over India in the early hours of Thursday morning (AEST).<\/p>\n There was no shortage of City representation in the Joeys lineup, with Besian Kutleshi captaining the side, while Oliver O\u2019Carroll, Luke Becvinovski and Akeem Gerald were all named in the starting XI.<\/p>\n Luka Demuth and Fraser Brown were also included in the squad from the bench.<\/p>\n City\u2019s impact was felt almost immediately, with Becvinovski opening the scoring just minutes into the contest with a composed close-range finish.<\/p>\n O\u2019Carroll was heavily involved throughout the match and earned widespread praise for his performance in midfield, controlling large periods of the game and helping Australia dictate the tempo.<\/p>\n Demuth then added his name to the scoresheet in the 74th minute, finding the back of the net just 10 minutes after entering the pitch. The midfielder capped off an impressive attacking move, with fellow City talent O\u2019Carroll heavily involved in the build-up.<\/p>\n Nice goal from Melbourne City midfielder Luka Demuth (2010), created by Melbourne City teammate Oliver O\u2019Carroll (2009) \u2013 who was the best player on the park. <\/p>\n Demuth is one of only two 2010s in the squad along with another City player in Akeem Gerald. ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/AUS-v-IND-1ee.jpg\")
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pic.twitter.com\/vSGBkzlakZ<\/a><\/p>\n