Newcastle-bound Garang Kuol climbed off the bench to inspire Central Coast Mariners to a 3-0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers with two assists.
The Mariners failed to break Wanderers' resistance until Kuol was introduced just past the hour-mark. Kuol immediately launched himself into the action, closing down Ruon Tongyik and diverting the ball into the path of fellow substitute Michael Ruhs, who opened the scoring with an assured finish.
The pair combined once again to double the Mariners' advantage in the 72nd minute. An elegant passing move resulted in Kuol delivering a pinpoint cross to the back post for Ruhs to claim his second of the game.
Samuel Silvera added a third in the final 10 minutes to clinch back-to-back victories for the Mariners. Kuol's devastating cameo was his first appearance of the season, as he missed the first three A-League games, after he was called up to play a triple header for Australia U20s.
The 18-year-old received his first call-up for the Australia senior team in September and made his debut as a second half substitute against New Zealand.
Mariners boss Nick Montgomery was critical of Kuol's selection for the U20s, arguing that he would have a better chance of playing at the World Cup by playing consistently in the A-League.
In September, Newcastle signed a pre-agreement for Kuol to join the club from Central Coast Mariners in the January transfer window.
The forward became the Mariners' youngest goal scorer after scoring just seven minutes into his senior debut in December last year at the age of 17 years and 98 days old. He scored four goals in his nine A-League appearances during his maiden season - averaging 2.48 goals per 90.
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