Perth, March 12 – Australia advanced to the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against DPR Korea at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday.
Sam Kerr played a starring role, scoring one and assisting another for Alanna Kennedy as Australia – who had lost in the quarter-finals four years ago – progressed to a last-four match against either defending champions China PR or Chinese Taipei. This win also secured their qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
While DPR Korea’s title dreams were dashed, they can hold their heads high after a spirited performance and will now focus on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 playoff against either China PR or Chinese Taipei on Thursday.
Australia, the winners of the 2010 edition, made two changes from the side that drew 3-3 with Korea Republic. Three-time champions DPR Korea swapped Hwang Yu Yong for Song Chun Sim from the 11 that had started in the 2-1 defeat to China PR.
Both teams opted for a high-pressure approach, but it was the East Asian side who gave the hosts a scare in the fifth minute when Kyong Yong found Ri Hye Gyong inside a crowded box, only for the defender to send her header wide. Having had to absorb constant pressure, Australia took the lead against the run of play after Kerr dispossessed An Kuk Hyang to set up Kennedy for the opening goal in the ninth minute.
Kerr’s cross into the box was intercepted by Chae Un Yong, but her half-clearance landed nicely for Kennedy, who side-stepped the midfielder before netting her fifth goal of the tournament with a looping effort over keeper Yu Son Gum. DPR Korea came back fighting, with Australia custodian Mackenzie Arnold having to parry Kyong Yong’s header in the 26th minute before keeping out Un Yong’s low drive from a tight angle six minutes later.
Australia continued to play dangerously, and were let off the hook in the first minute of added time after Myong Yu Jong played the ball back into the box for Hong Song Ok, who beat Arnold with her low shot but was denied by the right post as DPR Korea went into the break having had four shots on target but – crucially – trailing to the only effort the Matildas had. That was doubled just two minutes into the second half with Katrina Gory’s pressure on Kim Song Gyong allowing Kerr to burst into the box before finishing with a powerful left-footed strike.
Far from being discouraged, DPR Korea responded by taking control of the game as they pressed forward in search of a goal. Their sustained pressure paid off in the 65th minute following a neat team move with Song Ok playing the ball into the box for Kyong Yong, who laid it perfectly for Un Yong to sweep home and bring DPR Korea level.
Boosted by the goal, DPR Korea upped their tempo in search of the equaliser, but Arnold produced smart saves to deny Ri Hak and Kuk Hyang as Australia held on to advance to the semi-finals.