Gethin Jones helped Australia keep a clean sheet as they cruised past Palestine in their latest World Cup qualifier.
The Socceroos ran out 5-0 winners to make it six wins from six in the current phase of qualifying for the 2026 tournament, which will be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Portsmouth forward Kusini Yengi bagged a brace either side of half time. The opener came from the penalty spot after Aziz Behich was judged to have been tripped in the box.
Adam Taggart doubled the lead, smashing home from close range after getting on the end of Martin Boyle’s cut back.
Yengi’s second goal came on the stroke of half time, keeping his cool to slot home after more good work by Boyle. He managed to get on the scoresheet after the break, tapping into an empty net after being teed up by Taggart.
Substitute Nestory Irankunda wrapped up the result in the final stages with another spot kick after the officials had spotted a handball in the box.
It was Jones’ sixth senior cap, having made his debut in a friendly against Bahrain in January after catching the eye while playing for Wanderers in League One.
The 28-year-old had been an unused substitute during the 2-0 victory against Bangladesh several days prior.
Jones’ long season has now come to an end, racking up a total of 50 appearances for club and country since the 3-0 win against Lincoln on the opening day.
Three of those came at the Asian Cup earlier this year – the defender’s first tournament with the Socceroos – as Graham Arnolds’s side made it to the quarter-final stage before coming up just short against South Korea.
Jones will now get a chance to rest and reset before returning to pre-season training with the Whites as Ian Evatt’s men look to bounce back from their play-off disappointment.
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