Garang Kuol: South Sudanese Who Dazzled During a Friendly Against Barcelona Earns Australia Call-Up

• South Sudan teen sensation Garang Kuol has received a maiden call-up to the Australian national team
• The Egypt-born has been invited for the friendlies against New Zealand later this month before the team leaves for the World Cup in Qatar
• The Central Coast Mariners winger, who is on the verge on joining Newcastle United, could be at the World Cup with Australia

Egypt-born South Sudanese teenager, Garang Kuol, has been named in Australia's squad for the friendlies against New Zealand next week.

The 17-year-old was included in a 31-man squad for the double-header friendlies on September 22 and September 25, 2022.

Kuol, who arrived in Australia at a tender age, plays for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League and could be part of the Socceroos squad for the World Cup if he impresses in the friendlies.

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Australia coach Graham Arnold believes it is an opportunity for the new players to justify their inclusion ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“This camp is the last opportunity we will have to work with the squad ahead of November’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament, and all players are competing for a spot in the final squad which will be announced in early November," Arnold said.

“With two games in four days, this camp provides us with a unique opportunity to bring in some new players who can push for selection ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

“I’m excited to see a number of young Australian’s gaining great experience across Europe and throughout Asia, and it is important we bring them into the national team environment to build on our depth and assess their capabilities at this level.

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“We have been closely monitoring our players since qualifying for the FIFA World Cup and are regularly speaking with them about this opportunity. I can’t wait to get back into camp to work with our experienced group of players and the next generation of emerging stars.”

Garang Kuol is one of the brightest youngster in the Australian league and has been on the radar of several European clubs.

Australia have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Tunisia and Denmark at the World Cup.

South Sudan teen Garang Kuol shines in friendly against Barcelona

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Garang Kuol, a teenage South Sudan forward, based in Australia, wowed football fans with his dazzling display against Barcelona in a friendly.

The 17-year-old featured for Australia's A-League All Stars in a friendly against the Catalan giants.

In a video posted on social media, spotted by Legit.ng, the teen sensation was a handful for Barcelona defenders, earning him praises from Barcelona boss Xavi.

Source: Legit.ng