Garang Kuol will be heading to Newcastle United after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the attacker left quite the parting gift for the Central Coast Mariners in their final A-League fixture before the international break.
The 18-year-old talent came off the bench in the 55th minute with the Gosford-based side 2-0 down to Macarthur FC, yet Kuol managed to turn the game around for Central Coast as the youngster bagged two goals to bring the fixture to 2-2 before the visitors snuck in a 95th-minute winner to see Kuol’s efforts wiped out.
Despite the late loss, Kuol was heavily praised by the Australian media in what will be the forward’s final game for Central Coast before heading off to Newcastle in January, with the forward part of the Socceroo’s 26-man squad that will be heading out to Qatar despite his lack of experience at club level.
Fox Sports Australia hailed the teenager as a ‘sensation’ for his performance against Macarthur, whilst The Age lauded Kuol has a ‘game-changer’ for Central Coast as well as a potential wildcard for Australia in the World Cup, with expectations high after their failed success in Russia four years ago.
Indeed, Kuol isn’t expected to be a starter for Australia this month at the World Cup, but based on his super-sub appearance this week against Macarthur, there’s a good chance that the Oceania giants will use the talented wonderkid as a secret weapon from the bench in the World Cup.
And for Newcastle, any minutes Kuol plays will be huge for Eddie Howe’s side, who have seemingly done well to beat multiple clubs to the teenager’s signature for the 2023 January transfer window, especially with the Magpies in as a good position in the Premier League as they are.
Central Coast masterclass from Kuol will excited Newcastle fans
Going from the A-League to the Premier League is about as big as a jump in football as you can get, yet for Kuol, the teenager will no doubt relish the challenge to make a name for himself in England, especially after such a perfect send-off with Central Coast.
A brace off the bench will put Kuol’s confidence at an all-time high, and with the World Cup starting in seven days, the attacker will want to ensure he maintains this level of form for Australia against their international rivals out in Qatar.
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