The head coach of the U23 Australia team, Joe Palatsides, reveals strategies to win the AFF Women's Cup.

The head coach of the U23 Australia team, Joe Palatsides, will aim to control the ball and sustain the offensive during the final match against Myanmar.

The U23 women's team of Australia has shown remarkable progress in the AFF Cup 2025. They unexpectedly lost to Myanmar in their opening match but later defeated Timor Leste and the Philippines, indirectly causing the defending champions to exit the tournament.

In the semifinal against the Vietnam women's team, U23 Australia overcame pressure from many home fans to defeat coach Mai Đức Chung's team with a score of 2-1. As they enter the final, U23 Australia will face Myanmar again, determined to avenge their earlier loss in the group stage.

At the pre-match press conference, head coach Joe Palatsides stated: "We arrived in Vietnam late and are not yet accustomed to the weather, but the team has improved significantly since then. We will maintain our ball control style of play; if we succeed, it will be difficult for the opponent to score.

Myanmar is a very strong team with many talented individuals who need to be watched closely. We will make some minor adjustments to our tactics and lineup, but the focus will remain on our own style of play. We will try to impose our game and apply pressure on the opponent."

Meanwhile, midfielder Amy Chessari mentioned that the loss in the opening match was the fire that motivated the entire team: "After our victory against Vietnam in front of over 16,000 spectators, we are very confident. If we win the championship, it will be a significant step forward for the young Australian players and for our women's football."

This is only the second time U23 Australia has participated in the AFF Women's Cup; in 2022, they had a disappointing performance, exiting in the group stage.

Regarding Myanmar's women's team coach Uki Tetsuro, he also acknowledged that the final against U23 Australia will be very challenging.

"U23 Australia relies heavily on physical strength. They have improved a lot, and I believe tomorrow's match will be very difficult for both teams. For us, the philosophy is to never give up. We will prepare as best as we can and give our all. This will be a great motivation, providing a positive impact for the final."

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