Matildas Edge China 2-1, Reach Final

Sam Kerr scores stunning winner as Australia beats China

Australia's Matildas defeat China 2-1, will face Japan or South Korea in Asian Cup final. Kerr's 58th-minute goal sends Australia to Asian Cup final, will play for trophy on Saturday.

Matildas secure Asian Cup final spot with 2-1 win over China, thanks to Sam Kerr's sublime goal...

Kerr scored the winner in front of her hometown fans, striking the ball into the net from a tricky angle in the 58th minute and sending the Perth Stadium crowd wild. China had equalized earlier through a Zhang Linyan penalty in the 26th minute, after Caitlin Foord's opening goal. 

Australia's captain Sam Kerr led her team to a thrilling 2-1 win over China, securing a spot in the Women's Asian Cup final. Kerr's stunning second-half goal sealed the victory, marking her fourth goal of the tournament.

The Matildas will now face either Japan or South Korea in the final, scheduled for Saturday in Sydney, aiming to claim their second Asian Cup trophy and first since 2010.

“I can't really gather my emotions right now,” said Kerr.

“I know we came in as one of the favourites but we've taken the long road to be here and it just feels so good to be here now in the final.

“These girls are like family to me so it would be a dream come true (to win the final).”

“It feels so good to be here”⁰⁰

Sam Kerr on sending the Matildas to the Women’s Asian Cup Final

🎥: @10FootballAU#Matildas #HowWeWaltz #TilitsDone #AFCWomensAsianCup pic.twitter.com/eZL5i5AU5o

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) March 17, 2026

Though Kerr was clinical, Australia coach Joe Montemurro might've been frustrated with Mary Fowler's early miss - a volley over the bar in the 5th minute, despite a great cross from Kaitlyn Torpey. Fowler bounced back quickly, teaming up with Ellie Carpenter to set up Caitlin Foord's goal after 17 minutes with a slick move down the right wing. 

Mary Fowler's clever cut-back pass from Ellie Carpenter's delivery found Caitlin Foord, who fired home Australia's opener in the 17th minute - a well-timed reward for the Arsenal forward. But the joy was short-lived; China equalized eight minutes later when Zhang Linyan scored from the spot after Clare Hunt's mistake. 

China's Zhang Linyan converted the penalty, beating Mackenzie Arnold's dive to level the score. But Sam Kerr had the last laugh, scoring a sublime goal after the break to seal Australia's 2-1 win. 

FULL TIME | WE ARE OFF TO THE #WAC2026 FINAL ON HOME SOIL! 👏#Matildas #HowWeWaltz #TilitsDone #AFCWomensAsianCup pic.twitter.com/2StBEDRBQ7

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) March 17, 2026

Sam Kerr received the ball from Mary Fowler, took it back, and rounded China's keeper Peng Shimeng before tucking in a low shot from a tight angle - a stunning goal that sent Perth Stadium wild. The win sends Australia to the final, and also marked a milestone for Emily van Egmond, who became Australia's most capped player with her 170th appearance. Would you like more on the match or the final?