Former refugees look to ignite Australia's World Cup

SANTA CLARA, California, June 11 : Born in refugee camps to parents displaced by conflict in Africa, three players will show the changing face of Australian soccer at the World Cup and look to answer the nation's call for goals.

Coach Tony Popovic is putting his faith in attackers Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, two young talents eyeing their first World Cup minutes in the Socceroos' opening match against Turkey on Saturday.

At 30, Awer Mabil is the duo's "older brother" and will be on hand to support them as a mentor at his second World Cup.

The three have a shared experience as the children of asylum seekers who rose through the footballing ranks in Australia's sleepy state capital of Adelaide.

Already feted among Australia's 500,000-strong African diaspora, their chemistry may be key to Australia's hopes of advancing through the group phase and winning a World Cup knockout match for the first time.

"It's the country that gave us the opportunity to live," said 22-year-old Toure.

"So I think (the World Cup) would be the best way to pay back and just do what I love at a top level."

Toure, who plays in England's second tier, was born in a refugee camp in Guinea after his parents fled Liberia.

Despite only having 10 caps, he has made himself Popovic's first-choice striker after a flying start with Norwich City where he scored nine goals in 11 appearances.

CIVIL WAR

He is firm friends with 20-year-old Irankunda, who drew his first breath in a Tanzanian refugee camp and also plays in England's second tier for Watford.

Irankunda's much-hyped signing by Bayern Munich in 2024 did not work out but the son of Burundian parents has become a fan favourite in 15 appearances for Australia with his energy and flashy goal celebrations.

Mabil'