Filipinas goal-keeper Olivia McDaniel in action against Australia in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, March 1, 2026 at the Perth Stadium in Perth. PFF-PWNFT
MANILA -- The Philippine women's national football team absorbed a slim 1-0 loss to host nation Australia in their first match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, Sunday at the Perth Stadium.
Chelsea star Sam Kerr scored the marginal goal in the 14th minute, converting a header off Caitlin Foord to beat Olivia McDaniel. It was Kerr's 70th goal for Australia but first since 2023, having been sidelined by a knee injury in the past couple of years.
READ: Kerr says only '85 percent' fit for Women's Asian Cup
"Everyone comes here to win, but we're just taking it one game at a time," said Kerr after the match.
"Today was a good start and there's lots of belief within the team. But there's a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup, so you have to take one game at a time."
Australia thought they made it 2-0 just before the half hour mark, when Hayley Raso beat Hali Long and Angie Beard with a left-footed strike. The goal was disallowed by VAR, however, as Raso was found to be marginally offside after a review.
From there, the Filipinas' defense held firm. McDaniel came up with a crucial save in the 39th minute, blocking a free kick by Steph Catley while the ensuing corner kick was safely cleared.
McDaniel was repeatedly called to action in the second half, but the veteran goal-keeper showed nerves of steel in keeping Australia out.
Clare Wheeler tested McDaniel with a strike from outside the box in the 67th minute, and Katrina Gorry had her own attempt in the 74th. Both times, McDaniel stood strong.
Australia's chances to add to their tally went begging in the closing minutes, with Manchester City's Mary Fowler -- who came off the bench in the second half -- sending her effort over the bar before another late strike was taken care of by McDaniel.
Australia’s Sam Kerr (L) heads the ball into the net for her first goal against the Philippines during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match at Perth Stadium in Perth on March 1, 2026. Antony Dickson, AFP
Australia thoroughly dominated possession and had 15 shots -- six of which were on target. The Filipinas struggled to get out of their own half, tallying just one shot all game.
"We're disappointed that we lost a game. But, for us, it was all about fighting till the end, in every single game. I think you saw that today. I’m pleased that the team did that. We didn't get the outcome we wanted. But, it's good for us to keep going in the next two games," Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso said.
With the result, the Matildas took all three points to top Group A. They are bidding to win the continental showpiece for the first time since 2010.
After the 44,379-strong crowd -- a record for the Women's Asian Cup -- was warmed up by American singer Audrey Nuna of "KPop Demon Hunters" fame, big cheers greeted the players when they emerged onto the pitch.
The Filipinas had lost 8-0 to Australia when they last met in the Olympic qualifiers in 2023, but they showed impressive tenacity on defense against the Matildas -- a side ranked 15th by FIFA and features plenty of Europe-based players.
The Philippines will return to action on March 5 against South Korea, while Australia will take on Iran on the same day.
South Korea and Iran will play each other on Monday.
The top two sides from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed teams, progress to the quarter-finals. At stake for the top six finishers is qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. -- with Agence France-Presse