Sam Kerr scored her first worldwide aim in 28 months as Australia opened their Asian Cup marketing campaign with a 1-0 win over the Philippines in Perth.

The Chelsea striker, who returned to motion in September after almost two years on the sidelines following an anterior cruciate ligament damage, scored the winner within the 14th minute as she nodded in from shut vary.

Kerr’s aim – her seventieth for her nation – proved to be the only real spotlight of the match on the Perth Stadium, with Australia losing quite a few probabilities.

“I feel I am simply discovering my confidence once more,” stated 32-year-old Kerr.

“I really feel like I am nonetheless my regular self, I’ve simply obtained to get extra touches in and across the field.

“In the present day was an excellent begin and there is loads of perception within the group however as you see right now, there’s loads of high quality groups within the Asian Cup so it’s important to take it sooner or later at a time.”

Australia’s subsequent sport is in opposition to Iran on the Gold Coast Stadium on Thursday, with Iran opening their marketing campaign in opposition to South Korea on Monday.

The video games are set to go forward, though the Asian Soccer Confederation has postponed quite a few home matches on the continent following the battle within the Center East.

On Saturday, the US and Israel launched assaults on Iran, which has responded with retaliatory strikes throughout the Center East.

“In mild of the growing state of affairs within the Center East, matches within the West Area, initially scheduled for 2-3 March 2026, will now be rescheduled,” the AFC stated in an announcement.

“The AFC will proceed to carefully monitor this quickly evolving state of affairs and stays resolute in guaranteeing the security and safety of all gamers, groups, officers, and followers.

“On this regard, we’re in shut and common contact with the IR Iran girls’s nationwide group and officers in Gold Coast, and are providing our full assist and help.”