## Matildas Kick Off Asian Cup with Hard-Fought Win Against Philippines
The Matildas began their 2026 Women’s Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Philippines at Perth Stadium. A first-half header from Sam Kerr proved to be the difference in a match where Australia dominated possession but faced a resilient Philippine defence.
Kerr’s 14th-minute strike marked her first goal on Australian soil since her memorable effort during the 2023 World Cup, celebrated in front of a passionate home crowd. “I think I’m just finding my confidence again…I’m still my normal self, I’ve just gotta get more touches in and around the box,” Kerr shared with Paramount Plus after the game, reflecting her return to form after a challenging period with injuries.
Despite controlling the tempo, the Matildas struggled to break down the Philippines’ organized defence, led by Australian-born Angie Beard. Wingers Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord worked tirelessly, but found limited success in creating clear-cut chances. Kerr’s influence also diminished as the match progressed. The Philippines, while defensively solid, offered little threat in attack, with goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln enjoying a relatively quiet evening.
[Read more about the Women’s Asian Cup on the official AFC website](https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/womens-asian-cup).
### Second-Half Spark from Fowler and Sayer
The introduction of Mary Fowler in the 67th minute injected much-needed energy into the Australian attack. Freshly recovered from an ACL injury, Fowler showcased her skill and creativity, linking midfield to attack effectively. Amy Sayer also made a positive impact off the bench, adding another dimension to Australia’s forward line. However, despite their efforts, neither player could add to the scoreline.
Coach Joe Montemurro expressed satisfaction with the result, stating, “There was never any danger, we were in control.” He emphasized the importance of building momentum throughout the tournament, adding, “For me it’s important we grow into the tournament instead starting off with a bang, then the expectations are high.”
Caitlin Foord acknowledged the team’s need for improvement, saying, “We would have loved to get a few more goals but credit to the Philippines, they worked really hard to keep us out.” She highlighted the importance of building team chemistry, stating, “I think for us, we’ve got to build into this tournament, it’s been a while since we’ve played together so I just think we’ve got to get back into the flow of things and building relationships again.”
### Looking Ahead
The Matildas will next face Iran on Thursday on the Gold Coast. This match presents an opportunity to refine their attacking play and build upon the foundation laid in their opening victory. The team will be looking to showcase a more dominant performance as they progress through the tournament.
**Match Highlights:**
* **14th minute:** Sam Kerr scores the winning goal with a header.
* **67th minute:** Mary Fowler enters the game, providing a spark in attack.
* **80th minute:** Amy Sayer makes her debut, adding energy to the forward line.
Stay tuned to ABC Sport for continued coverage of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup!
