Match Report
The CommBank Matildas have secured their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory over IR Iran.
Alanna Kennedy scored a brace either side of half-time while Amy Sayer and Mary Fowler also found the scoresheet. It was Amy Sayer’s first goal at a major tournament for Australia.
The result means that they will finish either first or second in Group A, depending on the result against Korea Republic on Matchday 3.
Head Coach Joe Montemurro made five changes from the side that defeated the Philippines 1-0 in the opening match. In defence, Charlize Rule and Courtney Nevin replaced Steph Catley and Winonah Heatley. Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler came into midfield for Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler, while Amy Sayer replaced Hayley Raso up front.
Australia wasted no time getting started in the attacking phases of play. They dominated possession early and kept the ball camped in IR Iran’s back third. Emily van Egmond had the first big chance of the game only minutes after kickoff, with Iranian goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei forced into a good save after a free kick from just outside the penalty area.
The first goal came in the 8th minute. Amy Sayer found space linking up with Ellie Carpenter on the right-hand side of the attack. Her ball into the middle – whether it was a cross, or a shot, is a matter of interpretation – looped perfectly into the top of the net for the opener. It was Sayer’s first goal at a major tournament for Australia.
Caitlin Foord thought that she had scored two with a powerful finish, but the goal was ruled out due to a marginal offside.
