Filipinas fall short in 1-0 opener against Australia at AFC Women’s Asian Cup

On Sunday at Optus Stadium in Perth, the Matildas edged out a 1-0 victory in an early strike from all-time leading scorer Sam Kerr in the 14th minute, but the Filipinas refused to be overrun.

The Philippine squad displayed a defensive discipline that has been missing in past meetings with Australia, including the 4-0 defeat in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the 8-0 setback during the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers. 

Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel anchored a resilient backline, turning away threats from top Australian talents Katrina Gorry, Clare Wheeler, and Steph Catley.

Backing her up, the central defensive pairing of Jessika Cowart and Hali Long consistently intercepted crosses and cleared threats, while on the wings, left back Sofia Wunsch stifled Ellie Carpenter’s attacks and Angie Beard maintained a calm, effective containment on Australia’s left flank.

The Filipinas were nearly punished again when Hayley Raso appeared to double the host’s lead before halftime, but the VAR intervened to overturn the goal for offside. 

Coach Mark Torcaso praised the effort, acknowledging the disappointment of defeat but emphasizing the fight his team showed. 

“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,” the Philippine team coach said. 

Torcaso also added, “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.”

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The AFC Women’s Asian Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion as Australia faced the Philippines at Perth Stadium — in front of a historic crowd of 44,379 fans!

This surpasses the previous record of 18,000 set during the 2014 edition in Vietnam.#AFC #AWC2026 pic.twitter.com/DB8OTA4Y3f

— ASEAN FOOTBALL (@theaseanball) March 1, 2026

The result leaves Australia at the top of Group A with three points, while the Filipinas preserved confidence and minimized the damage, proving they can compete with elite sides. 

The team now sets its sights on a high-stakes rematch against South Korea, a fixture that recalls their semifinal loss to the Koreans in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. 

The match is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 11:00 AM (PHT) at Gold Coast Stadium. While Australia prepares to maintain momentum against Iran at the same venue at 5:00 PM. 

Beyond the immediate results, the Filipinas’ showing highlighted a growing maturity in the squad. McDaniel’s composure and the defensive unit’s cohesion allowed the team to remain competitive throughout the match. 

Even without possession for extended stretches, the Filipinas’ structure created occasional counterattack opportunities, signaling a strategic evolution under Torcaso.

The narrow loss is a reminder that growth in international competition is measured not just by wins, but by the ability to challenge higher-ranked teams with discipline.

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