The CommBank Matildas have defeated Philippines 1-0 in a hard fought opening match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
Sam Kerr’s first-half goal in front of 44,379 of her hometown fans at Perth Stadium was enough to seal an important three points for Australia to kick off the tournament. She became the first player to reach 70 goals for her country when she nodded the ball home.
Head Coach Joe Montemurro named a starting side with a mix of youth and experience. 21-year-old goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln was a notable addition, starting in only her fourth appearance for the national team. The defence was anchored by the central combination of Clare Hunt and Winonah Heatley, while captain Sam Kerr led the line in attack.
Australia dominated possession in the opening exchanges. It was a game state that both teams were prepared for, with the Philippines seating deep in defence while the CommBank Matildas worked hard to break them down.
It didn’t take long for the attacking play to bear fruit. A pinpoint Clare Wheeler cross reached Caitlin Foord at the back post. Foord combined with Sam Kerr, who made no mistake with her header in front of goal. It was Kerr’s first goal in national team colours in 851 days and a special one in a major tournament in her hometown.
Hayley Raso put the ball in the back of the net, skilfully controlling a direct ball over the top from Katrina Gorry, in the 30th minute. It was ruled marginally offside after advice from the Video Assistant Referee.
Steph Catley came close to scoring from a direct free kick outside of the penalty area but was foiled by a fantastic save from Olivia McDaniel.
The second half started in much the same way as the first, but still, the Philippines held strong. Australia struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite their dominance in possession, and despite playing the majority of the game in the Philippines half.
Montemurro turned to his bench for the first time in the 68th minute. Alanna Kennedy replaced Clare Wheeler, pushing Winonah Heatley into midfield, while Mary Fowler made her first CommBank Matildas appearance in 328 days. She replaced Emily van Egmond.
Just over 10 minutes later, Amy Sayer was introduced. It was her first appearance at an AFC Women’s Asian Cup™. She replaced Hayley Raso.
Fowler made a noticeable difference when it came to creating attacking opportunities for Australia. Her close ball control and accurate passing will fill fans with confidence that she can return to her best in her first national team appearances since her ACL rupture. Despite her impact, the team could not find another way through a resilient Philippines.
The result is an important three points to start the tournament and puts Australia in the best possible position to progress from the group.
Match Summary
Australia: 1 (20. Sam Kerr 14')
Philippines: 0
Australia: 12. Chloe Lincoln (GK), 3. Winonah Heatley, 4. Clare Hunt, 6. Clare Wheeler (14. Alanna Kennedy 68’), 7. Steph Catley, 9. Caitlin Foord, 10. Emily van Egmond (11. Mary Fowler 68’), 16. Hayley Raso (17. Amy Sayer 81’), 19. Katrina Gorry, 20. Sam Kerr, 21. Ellie Carpenter
Unused Substitutes: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (GK), 18. Morgan Aquino (GK), 2. Courtney Nevin, 5. Jamilla Rankin, 8. Kaitlyn Torpey, 13. Alex Chidiac, 15. Kahli Johnson, 22. Michelle Heyman, 24. Charlie Rule, 25. Holly McNamara, 26. Remy Siemsen
Philippines: 1. Olivia McDaniel (GK), 3. Jessika Cowart, 5. Hali Long, 6. Jaclyn Sawicki, 8. Sara Eggesvik (14. Jourdyn Curran 83'), 9. Carleigh Frilles (17. Ariana Markey 59'), 10. Chandler McDaniel (24. Mallie Ramirez 59'), 13. Angela Beard, 16. Sofia Wunsch, 21. Katrina Guillou (15. Isabella Pasion 83), 23. Alexa Pino (7. Jael Guy 45’)
Unused Substitutes: 18. Nina Meollo (GK), 22. Leah Bradley (GK), 2. Matea Cesar, 4. Natalie Oca, 11. Anicka Castaneda, 12. Kaya Hawkinson, 19. Alessandrea Carpio, 20. Janae DeFazio, 25. Ava Villapando, 26. Paige McSwigan