Matildas Edge Past Philippines in Asian Cup

Kerr's 70th goal helps Australia beat Philippines 

Sam Kerr scores 70th goal in Australia's 1-0 win over Philippines, her first since 2023 due to ACL injury. Kerr's header gives Matildas narrow win over Philippines in Asian Cup opener.

Australia's Sam Kerr finds form with 1st goal in 28 months, beats Philippines 1-0...

Sam Kerr marked her return to the Matildas with a header in the 14th minute, scoring her 70th goal for Australia and first since November 2023. This milestone came after a 28-month absence due to an ACL injury.

The goal was a highlight in an otherwise slow-paced match, with the Philippines putting up a strong defensive performance. Australia dominated possession, with 88% in the first half, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Coach Joe Montemurro made changes, including bringing on Mary Fowler, but the Matildas couldn't extend their lead.

Kerr's 14th-minute strike was a delight for the home crowd of 44,379, a record attendance for a Women's Asian Cup match. The goal was a rare highlight in a match where Australia struggled to break down the Philippines' defense.

“I think I'm just finding my confidence again,” Kerr said, reflecting on her return to form after a long lay-off with injury. The Matildas created chances but failed to capitalize, allowing the Philippines to rely on their defensive setup. 

“I feel like ‌I'm still my normal self, I've just got to get more touches in and around the box.

“Today was a good start and there's a lot of belief in the team but as you see today, there's a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cups so you have to take it one day at a time.”

Australia's previous 8-0 thrashing of the Philippines in 2023 didn't translate to an easy win on Sunday, as the hosts were held to a 1-0 victory. The Philippines' defense was impressive, keeping the Matildas at bay despite Australia's 88% possession in the first half.

Clare Hunt's clever cross from the right corner set up the game's only goal, finding Caitlin Foord who headed the ball down for Sam Kerr to nod in from close range. This marked Kerr's 70th goal for Australia and first since November 2023, after a 28-month absence due to an ACL injury.

Emily van Egmond had a chance to double the lead with another header, but it flew over the bar. The Matildas continued to create chances, but the Philippines defense held firm.

FULL TIME | We kick off our #WAC2026 campaign with a W! ✅

⏭️ Next Up: 🇦🇺v🇮🇷 5.3.26 7pm AEST - Gold Coast#Matildas #AUSvPHI #HowWeWaltz #TilitsDone #AFCWomensAsianCup #WAC2026 pic.twitter.com/jXk9UuXo8b

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) March 1, 2026

Hayley Raso's impressive volley was ruled out by VAR for offside. Coach Joe Montemurro made changes, bringing on Mary Fowler for the last 20 minutes to try and break down the Philippines' defense.

Mary Fowler, back from her own knee injury, showed flashes of skill but couldn't break through the Philippines' defense. The Matildas will face Iran next, at Gold Coast Stadium on Thursday.

The Philippines take on South Korea in a double-header at the same venue.