PHOTO: @MATILDAS (Instagram )
Australia continued their perfect start as hosts of this year’s AFC Asian Women’s Cup as they beat Iran 4-0 to secure their place in the competition’s quarter-finals.
They came into matchday two, having already beaten the Philippines 1-0 in the opening game, thanks to a goal from Perth’s hometown hero Sam Kerr.
Amy Sayer broke the deadlock early between the two sides, scoring just eight minutes in with a lovely cross-turned shot from the right-hand side which dropped perfectly into the back of the net, high and out of reach for IR Iran’s goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei.
However, it would be Australia’s second goalscorer who would grab the headlines. Mary Fowler reacted quickest; as the ball was spilt in the box following a flick-on from Sam Kerr, Fowler poked the ball home for the Matildas’ second goal. It was a special goal for many reasons, sparking brilliant celebrations from the supporters and players alike.
The goal marked Fowler’s first since suffering an ACL injury in April 2025 whilst playing for Manchester City; her return to the squad was a fairytale story after injury, and this goal may have been instrumental in the host nation securing their quarter-final spot with a game to spare.
The Matilda’s got their third goal ten minutes before halftime. Alanna Kennedy struck home from a difficult angle following a knockdown from Sam Kerr, giving Australia a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the break.
Kennedy would grab herself a second goal just thirteen minutes after the restart. Emily Van Egmond perfected a pinpoint cross, which found Kennedy’s head, and she was able to guide the ball into the bottom left corner.
The game towards the end was overshadowed by what looked like a concerning head injury for Hayley Raso, in which the concussion substitution protocol had to be activated as she was replaced by Michelle Heyman.
Australia next face South Korea to conclude their group stage action before learning of their quarter-final opponents.