Austrian Football National Team U17s qualify for European Championships with Austro-Filipino player in team

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Austria’s U17 national football team secured their ticket to the European Championship finals in Cyprus impressively on Tuesday. The ÖFB team beat Spain 3-1 in Wiener Neustadt to secure an unbeaten seven points and win Group 7 of the qualifying elite round. As one of the seven best group runners-up, the Iberians (6) could also look forward to a ticket to the European Championship. The tournament takes place between 20 May and 5 June.
Dortmund’s youngster Thierry Fidjeu-Tazemeta (19th), Rapid talents Ensar Music (26th) and captain Philipp Moizi (80th) with a converted penalty made the surprise win perfect after an early Spanish goal by Juan Hernandez (12th). The Austrians, coached by Martin Scherb, had beaten bottom-placed Slovenia 2-0 in their opener and then drew 2-2 with Norway.

“Incredible achievement by our team. We had to overcome a lot of adversity, especially with key players out. The squad reacted so well and implemented our match plan, which we adapted from the other games perfectly,” summarised Scherb. His team defended in a really disciplined manner and repeatedly made pinpricks.

Young professional contract for Daniel Mahiya

Daniel Mahiya, an Austro-Filipino, is part of the national team. He joined SK Rapid at the tender age of nine and has been an integral part of various youth teams in Hütteldorf ever since. Daniel, with Filipino roots, has been part of the SK Rapid Academy since summer 2021 and has signed his first young professional contract. The contract runs for three years until the summer of 2026. So far this season, he has made 22 appearances in the U16 ÖFB Youth League and won the runners-up title with SK Rapid. The ÖFB youth national team player fulfils his school obligations as part of his dual education at SK Rapid’s cooperation school Gymnasium am Augarten.

Academy director Willi Schuldes: “Dani is a versatile player, his strengths certainly lie in his close ball control, his mobility and his passion. He is an important part of this year’s U16 team with great potential. We are delighted that he will continue his training here in Hütteldorf in the coming years.”