The CommBank Matildas have defeated Korea DPR 2-1 to book their place in the semi-final of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with the result also securing qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.
Alanna Kennedy scored in the first half before Sam Kerr doubled their lead in the second. The team showed a tremendous amount of grit throughout the match, absorbing many chances from Korea DPR, but ultimately holding on for the win.
They will play either China or Chinese Taipei in the semi-final in Perth on Tuesday evening.
Head Coach Joe Montemurro made two changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Korea Republic on Sunday evening. Kaitlyn Torpey replaced the injured Steph Catley at left-back, while Emily van Egmond started in midfield in place of Clare Wheeler.
The game started at a typically frantic tempo. As expected, Korea DPR looked to catch Australia out with a high press and extreme intensity. The CommBank Matildas combated this by switching between a back 3 and back 4, with Alanna Kennedy able to freely change between defence and midfield.
Australia managed to take the lead early. Sam Kerr picked the pocket of the defence thanks to an energetic press. Her cutback found Alanna Kennedy on the edge of the penalty area, who hammered it home for her fifth goal of the tournament. The strike takes her to the top of the golden boot race.
Korea DPR dominated possession for most of the remainder of the half. Chae Un-Yong was the centre of the action for them, firstly setting up a header for Kim Kyong-Yong, and then finding space in the penalty area for herself. Both times, Mackenzie Arnold was forced into sharp saves at her near post.
Just before the half-time break, Hong Song-Ok turned away from the defence to fire a shot across the face of goal. The ball skimmed the outside of the post to keep Australia’s one-goal lead intact at half-time.
Australia scored their first-half goal from one shot. A 100% conversion rate – and they continued that early in the second. It was Sam Kerr again who won the ball in a high area only minutes after the restart. Her finish from a tough angle was unnerving. Her third goal of the tournament doubled the Matildas’ lead, and gave them some much-needed breathing room in the match.
Korea DPR continued pushing, however, and got their reward in the 65th minute. Chae Un-Yong was on the spot after a well-worked flowing move. The goal brought the score back to 2-1, and with only a one goal margin in play, the intensity lifted once again.
The goal prompted the first changes of the night from Joe Montemurro. Clare Wheeler came into midfield in place of Emily van Egmond, and Amy Sayer replaced Mary Fowler at left wing.
Mackenzie Arnold was forced into another fantastic save after a long shot from Korea DPR’s captain and centre-back, An Kuk-Hyang.
Two further changes were made in the final minute of stoppage time as Australia looked to hold on. Charlize Rule and Kyra Cooney-Cross replaced Alanna Kennedy and Katrina Gorry respectively. The team switched to a permanent back five for the eight minutes of stoppage time.
Michelle Heyman replaced Sam Kerr deep in stoppage time to help them see the game out.
It was ultimately a gritty, determined, tough win for Australia, who will take their lessons into the remainder of the tournament.
Match Summary
Australia: 2 (Kennedy 9', Kerr 47')
Korea DPR: 1 (Chae 65')
Australia: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (GK), 3. Winonah Heatley, 4. Clare Hunt, 8. Kaitlyn Torpey, 9. Caitlin Foord, 10. Emily van Egmond (6. Clare Wheeler 70') 11. Mary Fowler (17. Amy Sayer 70'), 14. Alanna Kennedy (24. Charlize Rule 90'), 19. Katrina Gorry (23. Kyra Cooney-Cross 90’), 20. Sam Kerr (22. Michelle Heyman 90+4'), 21. Ellie Carpenter
Unused substitutes: 2. Courtney Nevin 5. Jamilla Rankin, , 12. Chloe Lincoln (GK), 13. Alex Chidiac, 15. Kahli Johnson, 18. Morgan Aquino (GK), 22. MIchelle Heyman, 25. Holly McNamara, 26. Remy Siemsen
Korea DPR: 18. Yu Son-Gum (GK), 2. Ri Myong-Gum, 5. An Kuk-Hyang, 7. Myong Yu-Jong, 9. Kim Song-Gyong (10. Ri Hak 51'), 11. Han Jin-Hong (8. Choe Il-Son 51'), 12. Hong Song-Ok, 16. Song Chun-Sim, 17. Kim Kyong-Yong, 20. Chae Un-Yong, 23. Ri Hye-Gyong
Unused substitutes: 1. Pak Ju-Mi (GK), 3. Ri Kum-Hyang, 4. Oh Sol-Song, 6. An Pok-Yong, 13. Jon Ryong-Jong, 14. Hwang Yu-Yong, 15. Jo Pom-Mi, 19. Sin Hyang, 21. Kim Jong-Sun (GK), 22. Kim Hye-Yong, 24. Ri Song A