AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Kerr on target as Australia records a 1-0 win against the Philippines

Star striker Sam Kerr hit the target as Australia made an unconvincing start to the Women’s Asian Cup with a 1-0 victory over plucky Philippines in front of a record crowd at Perth Stadium on Sunday.

The Chelsea striker opened the home side’s goal in the 14th minute, but despite his dominant possession it was as good as it got.

It wasn’t the clinical performance it was looking for: the last time the teams met in 2023, Australia won 8-0.

The victory nevertheless secured three points in Group A as the Matildas began their mission to win the 12-team continental title for the first time since 2010.

“Everyone comes here to win, but we’re taking it one game at a time,” Kerr said of their chances of winning the title.

«Today was a good start and there is a lot of belief within the team. But there are a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup, so you have to take it one game at a time.»

After the 44,379-strong crowd – a record for the Women’s Asian Cup – was warmed up by American singer Audrey Nuna of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ fame, the players were greeted with loud cheers as they entered the field.

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The Matildas took the lead in the 14th minute after a cagey start when Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord got on the end of Clare Wheeler’s cross and found Kerr, who headed home from close range.

Emily van Egmond should have made it 2-0 minutes later, but the Leicester midfielder skied a free header over the crossbar.

A second goal seemed imminent, and it appeared to come from Hayley Raso, but her strike was disallowed by the video referee and Australia went into halftime with only a narrow lead.

The Philippines are a team on the rise under Australian coach Mark Torcaso, who won gold at the Southeast Asian Games last year, and they held firm against a side full of players from England.

Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and his defensive unit were huge as Australia struggled to create clear chances in the second half and murmurs of discontent rang through the crowd.

South Korea and Iran, who face each other on the Gold Coast on Monday, are also in the same group.

The top two teams from each of the three groups, together with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. Qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil is at stake for the top six finishers.

Published on March 1, 2026