Jordan Bos struck a late winner as a subdued Australia side edged Cameroon 1-0 in a confidence-boosting friendly, continuing their preparations for the World Cup.

Chances were limited in the low-key match at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, with neither side able to assert clear dominance for much of the game. The breakthrough finally arrived in the closing stages when the Feyenoord midfielder reacted quickest to seal the victory with five minutes remaining.

Australia also had Ajdin Hrustic to thank for contributing to the win, despite the midfielder missing a penalty earlier in the match. The result was a welcome response after back-to-back defeats in the previous international window, where they lost 1-0 to Venezuela and 3-0 to Colombia.

The fixture formed part of the FIFA Series 2026, a mini-tournament that also includes fellow World Cup qualifier Curacao, who were defeated 2-0 by China at the same venue earlier in the day.

“First half we couldn’t really break through, and then in the second half we kept pushing,” Bos said.

“We created some chances and it came down to the final 10 minutes, and I managed to score and help the team get the win. That’s the most important thing.”

Australia, set to feature at a sixth consecutive World Cup, used the match as an opportunity for coach Tony Popovic to assess several inexperienced players.

With multiple spots still available in his World Cup squad, Popovic handed debuts to 18-year-old Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington and Poland-based striker Deni Juric. Both players appeared composed in a lively opening period, as the hosts pushed forward in search of an early goal.

However, Australia found it difficult to maintain control against a youthful Cameroon side that is in the process of rebuilding after failing to qualify for the World Cup.

Clear-cut chances were limited in the first half on a slippery pitch, with neither team able to consistently create in the final third.

Popovic made changes at the break, replacing Juric and Martin Boyle with Awer Mabil and Nestory Irankunda, which helped raise the tempo and inject more intensity into Australia’s attacking play.

Cameroon debutant Oliver Kamdem conceded a penalty with 20 minutes remaining, but Australia were denied when goalkeeper Devis Epassy guessed correctly to save Ajdin Hrustic’s effort.

As the match entered its closing stages, Nestory Irankunda came close on two occasions, pushing Australia forward in search of a breakthrough before Jordan Bos eventually delivered the decisive moment. Bos beat a defender after being set up by Paul Okon to seal the late victory.

The result adds momentum to Australia’s preparations as they gear up for the World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group D alongside co-hosts the United States, Paraguay, and a yet-to-be-determined European qualifier.