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

Sam Kerr's header helps Australia edge Philippines in the Women’s Asian Cup opener Sam Kerr has scored on her return as Australia opened the Women’s Asian Cup with a 1-0 win over the Philippines By The Associated Press March 1, 2026, 6:44 AM PERTH, Australia -- 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. The Chelsea striker scored with a header from the edge of the box in the 14th minute following a cross from Clare Wheeler on the right and a header back across goal from Caitlin Foord. 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. The Australians went into the tournament hoping to relive the atmosphere generated during the Women's World Cup on home soil almost three years ago, when the Matildas shattered audience records on the way to the semifinals. It wasn't all one-way, though. Australia had 85% of possession, had 15 shots on goal and completed 674 passes to 118 for Philippines, but wasn't able to break down the defense. Hayley Raso appeared to give Australia a 2-0 lead when she found the back of the net on the half-hour but it was disallowed for offside following a VAR review. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel was heavily involved for Philippines, helping limit the margin against the team considered a strong favorite to top a group also containing 2022 runner-up South Korea and Iran. Kerr played the full game and Australia also had a positive return from Mary Fowler, who went on in the 68th minute in a long-awaited return from injury for the Matildas. “I think I’m just finding my confidence again,” Kerr said in a post-game TV interview. "I guess that’s for other people to judge, but...