Opening Game of the Women’s Asia Cup Recap - Face-off between The Philippines and Australia.

What an opening ceremony!! The Women’s Asia Cup Football Tournament kicked off tonight at Perth’s Optus Stadium and the vibes were incredible. From a killer opening performance from K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Audrey Nuna, to the intense face-off between the Philippines and the Australian women, affectionately known as the “Tilles”. Fans were fed an absolutely crazy start to the tournament. Read ahead to follow a close play-by-play of the match and the standout moments!

(Image credit to the west Australian )

The game started with a bang, after kick-off, both teams scrambled for possession and both played exceptionally skillfully. Just 14 minutes, a cross by Clare Wheeler found Caitlin Foord by the far post, she headed it towards hometown golden girl Sam Kerr who effortlessly flicked it into the goal, giving her team the lead. This was Kerr’s first goal on home turf since the 1st of November back in 2023, having come back from an injury. At the 30 minute mark, Hayley Raso and her team celebrated after the ball went into the net, however after a quick VAR check from the refs, the goal was confirmed to be offside, keeping the score at 1-0 for the Tillies. The Matildas played well, but didn’t have it all their own way, the Philippines had a strong defence, headed by Angie Beard, who was born in Australia. Whilst the Philippines played well defensively, their attacking fell short in the offensive half, with the Australian women holding a tight ship, keeping the ball as far away as possible. Steph Catley’s free kick attempt from outside the penalty area was a close one, but a wonderful save from Philippines’ Olivia McDaniel kept it out.

Going into half-time, the Matildas held their 1-0 lead, they managed to hold most of the possession throughout the half, but the Philippines hadn’t accepted defeat as they knew there was still plenty of time to push for a goal.

The second half kicked off and the stands were incredible, fans all over the stadium were chanting and cheering, and a Mexican Wave was seen going around. In the 67th minute of the game, Mary Fowler entered the pitch, her first time playing for Australia since she ruptured her ACL back in April of last year, she took Emily Van Egmond’s spot, as Alanna Kennedy took Clare Wheeler’s. Fowler and fellow substitute Amy Sayer (coming on for Hayley Raso) gave the pitch some new and much needed energy but they were still unable to boost the scoreline any higher. After a tough fought battle from both sides, the game ended 1-0 for Australia, giving them a three point bonus in their group, putting them above Iran, South Korea and the Philippines, before they go into their next match against Iran.

The crowd was absolutely fantastic, with a new tournament record of 44,379 people, smashing the previous record of 18,000 people by THOUSANDS. They chanted at the top of their lungs, waved flags from both countries with pride and showed the world that women in sports ARE seen, heard and supported. 

This tournament is going to be amazing, and not only is it the amazing Asia Cup, but also the top 6 teams automatically qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, which is a huge honour and each and every team will be giving their all. The Perth crowd started strong, and it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of Australia measure up, but no doubt they’ll be just as loud, passionate and patriotic.

Article written by Milla Sinfield