China 1-2 Australia, AFC Women’s Asian Cup: Sam Kerr Nets Winner As Matildas Storm Into Final

A 58th-minute goal from captain Sam Kerr ended up making the difference as Australia defeated China 2-1 in the first semi-final of AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Tuesday (17 March). China did the early running in the game and despite Australia's opener via Caitlin Foord in the 17th minute, restored parity through Zhang Linyan's penalty. But Kerr struck decisively in the 58th minute to power the Matildas past the defending champions, and into the final. The hosts will head to Sydney for the summit clash on March 21, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Korea and Japan.

Updated on: 17 March 2026 6:02 pm

Published at: 17 March 2026 3:16 pm

China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Women's Asia Cup soccer-

Australian players react following the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China embrace ahead of the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Joe Montemurro, Anthony Milicic

Australia's coach Joe Montemurro, left, and China's coach Anthony Milicic talk ahead of the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China line up for their national anthem ahead of the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Ellie Carpenter

Australia's Ellie Carpenter, right, and China's Chen Qiaozhu, left, battle for the ball during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Wu Haiyan

China's Wu Haiyan runs after the ball during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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Australia's Ellie Carpenter kicks the ball towards the goal during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Caitlin Foord

Australia's Caitlin Foord celebrates after scoring her team's first goal during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Mary Fowler

Australia's Mary Fowler, right, and China's Zhang Rui compete for the ball during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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Australia's Mary Fowler, left, and China's Chen Qiaozhu battle for the ball during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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Australia's Caitlin Foord, second left, is congratulated by teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Zhang Linyan

China's Zhang Linyan, right, celebrates after scoring her team's fourth goal from a penalty during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Mackenzie Arnold

Australia's goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, left, reacts as she receives a yellow card from referee Supiree Testhomy during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Australias Katrina Gorry

Australia's Katrina Gorry, left, and China's Zhang Linyan battle for the ball during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Australias Caitlin Foord

Australia's Caitlin Foord, centre, looks to get past China's Wang Aifang, left, during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Sam Kerr

Australia's Sam Kerr passes the ball as China's Zhang Chengxue, right, watches during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China coach Anthony Milicic reacts during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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Australia's Sam Kerr, second left, is congratulated by teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Alanna Kennedy

Australia's Alanna Kennedy heads the ball away from China's Wurigumula right, during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer-Katrina Gorry

Australia's Katrina Gorry, left, and China's Wang Yanwen compete for the ball during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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Australia's Sam Kerr reacts during the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China Vs Australia Semi-Final AFC Womens Asia Cup soccer- Charlize Rule

Australia's Charlize Rule, left, and teammate Steph Catley embrace following the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China reacts following the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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China gestures to their supporters following the Women's Asian Cup semifinal soccer match between China and Australia in Perth, Australia. | Photo: AP/Gary Day

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