CommBank Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln said that she was still pinching herself after making an unlikely AFC Womens’ Asian Cup™ debut on Sunday evening against the Philippines.
The 21-year-old made only her fourth national team appearance after a series of injuries to senior goalkeepers in the squad paved the way for her selection.
“I'm still pinching myself about this whole situation,” she said post-match.
“It's been a crazy 24 hours, but just super grateful that I was able to have this opportunity and be playing with this group. It's an amazing bunch of girls.”
It looked likely that Jada Whyman would make her CommBank Matildas debut in this game, only to suffer a knee injury at training that ruled her out of the tournament.
While it was an extraordinary moment for her to play on Sunday, Lincoln’s thoughts are with her teammate.
“My heart goes out to Jada, too, because I know this is something that she would have been absolutely buzzing about and super excited for. I’m really wishing her all the best as well,” she said.
She credited the goalkeeping union for their support throughout camp and throughout her national team career so far.
“When you have people in front of you, like Jada [Whyman], Macca [Arnold] and Teagan [Micah], it feels like big gloves to fill, because they're all amazing and incredible keepers in their own right,” she said.
“I hope I was able to step into that role as much as anybody could and do the job for the team, and hopefully that was reflected in the game. I’m just really happy I get to learn from girls like that. They’re amazing and super great for their support.
“Macca was really awesome today. She had a few pieces of advice to give throughout the day, in the warm up before the game and stuff like that. Very special to work with her.”
Perth is turning into a very special place for Lincoln. She made her starting debut in the West in July last year and made her Asian Cup debut there on Sunday evening.
“It’s a funny thing, sport, the way things happen,” she said.
“I definitely wasn't expecting it at all, but super grateful that I've been able to have these opportunities. It feels cool to have this opportunity, particularly in Perth, given the starting debut last year. I'm just trying to make the most of every opportunity.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas 1 v 0 Philippines
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
IR Iran v CommBank Matildas
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Venue: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
Time: 7:00pm AEST/8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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