THE Filipinas opened their 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign with a 1-0 loss to Australia on Sunday in what is considered a favorable result away from home.
Olivia McDaniel and the Filipinas defense held their ground after conceding a goal to Matildas star striker Sam Kerr in the 14th minute, preventing the match from getting out of hand before a good-sized crowd in Perth.
READ As Gilas hosts Boomers on Sunday, Matildas prepare for Filipinas
The result was in total contrast to the two sides' previous match-up where the Filipinas were beaten by the Matildas, 8-0, during the Paris Olympic qualifier that was also held in Perth last October 2023.
By losing by only a goal to the world No. 15 squad, the Filipinas kept their hopes alive of advancing to the quarterfinals where six automatic berths to the World Cup will be at stake.
The top two teams in each of the three groups and the two best third-placers move to the quarterfinals.
McDaniel recorded five saves after giving up the Kerr goal as she went stood her ground against some of the best strikers in the world.
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