Sam Kerr header delivers Matildas win over Philippines in Women’s Asian Cup opener

Australia defeat Philippines 1-0 in first Group A match in Perth Captain scores in 14th minute as hosts dominate possession The Matildas’ Asian Cup campaign is off to an ideal, if rusty, start with a 1-0 defeat of the Philippines in their first group-stage match in Perth on Sunday afternoon. A goal from captain Sam Kerr in the first half saw the hosts secure their first points of the tournament in front of 44,379 people at Perth Stadium, breaking the record for the highest-attended Asian Cu...

By Samantha Lewis at Perth Stadium

Sam Kerr's header helps Australia edge Philippines in the Women’s Asian Cup opener

The scene was set for a hometown star and Sam Kerr delivered for Australia — again — with the only goal in a 1-0 win over Philippines in the Women’s Asian Cup tournament opener on Sunday. It was the 32-year-old Kerr's 70th goal for Australia and a welcome return from a long-term knee injury that has prevented her from playing for the Matildas since the 2023 World Cup. The crowd of 44,379 was a record for the tournament and something of a tribute to Kerr, who was raised in Perth.