Alou Kuol has played a key role in helping Australia cap a fantastic debut at the Maurice Revello Tournament with a win over host nation France earlier this week.
The Australian under-23 men’s side defeated France 2-0 on Monday morning, with Shepparton’s own Kuol instrumental in the green and gold’s goals.
With the scores level at 0-0 in the 29th minute, Kuol stood over a free kick in a dangerous spot at the edge of the box.
The 21-year-old’s strike snuck under the wall and was too hot for French gloveman Justin Bengui João to handle, with Jake Hollman in the perfect position to tap home the rebound.
Australia then doubled its advantage on the stroke of half-time, with Kuol again the spearhead behind the breakthrough.
Kuol pressured a lacklustre pass back to João, lunging to win the ball inside the six-yard box.
He then calmly teed up a Louis D'Arrigo in the penalty area, who made no mistake in front of a wide-open goal.
An injury concern forced Kuol from the field late in the contest, but it was a superb showing from the electric attacker currently on the books at Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart.
Garang Kuol got a start for Australia against France as well, lining up alongside his brother for the fourth time at the tournament.
Australia advanced to the knockout stages at the tournament after topping its group following a memorable 2-0 win over Mexico, with the Kuols coming off the bench that day.
Garang and Alou appeared as substitutes in Australia’s semi-final clash against Panama, but it was the eventual champion that prevailed 2-1.
Australia had three wins at the tournament, defeating Mediterranean Select 3-2, Mexico and France.
Garang was awarded the player of the match honours against Mediterranean Select after recording two assists in the victory.