The Philippine women’s national football team drew praise from Australia star Sam Kerr after a gallant stand in their 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup showdown.
The Filipinas were unable to score a point in their opening Group A match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, losing 1-0 to world no. 15 Australia.
But even in defeat, the Philippine women’s national football team gained the respect of their opponents.
Australia superstar Sam Kerr had good things to say about the Filipinas, who are chasing their second appearance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
After the match, she commended the Filipinas’ preparation which resulted in a grind-out game that the Australians won thanks to an early goal.
“I thought they defended well. I think they had a good game plan. Obviously, the game was really stop-and-start-y, which makes it harder for us.” Kerr admitted on an interview with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).
Kerr was the lone goal scorer of the match, scoring Australia’s goal in the 14th minute.
[RELATED: Filipinas absorb narrow loss to Australia to start AFC Women's Asian Cup]
Despite their best efforts, the Matildas couldn’t add to their lead, with the Filipinas keeping them on their toes until the final whistle.
‘Definitely improving’
Though she played for the opposing side, Kerr praised the vast improvement of other Asian countries as they flaunt their form in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The Filipinas, in particular, are on the uptick according to Kerr.
“I think Asian football is improving, and the Philippines is one of those teams that's definitely improving. But the most important thing for us tonight was the win, and we got that, so we're very happy with how the night went,” she said.
The Filipinas and Australia return to action on Thursday, March 5, at the Gold Coast Stadium with the Filipinas facing South Korea in search of their first win. The hosts, for their part, face Iran.
The Filipinas will need to finish in the Top 2 or be one of the two highest-ranked third placers among all group to clinch a spot in the knockout rounds.
The team will need a semifinals berth to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.