Fowler stars as Australia reach Asian Cup final | OneFootball

Mary Fowler registered an assist in Australia’s 2-1 last-four win over China which sealed the Matildas' place in the 2026 Asian Cup final.

Joe Montemurro’s side will face either Japan or South Korea in the showpiece with the second semi-final tie to be played on Wednesday.

Australia made a fast start in Perth and Fowler came close inside five minutes when City’s forward struck a first-time volley from a fizzed Kaitlyn Torpey cross, but her effort flew over the bar from close range.

After the early sight on goal by the hosts, China then pushed for the opener which saw Alanna Kennedy heroically block a goal-bound shot – but it was Australia who opened the scoring and City’s Fowler was at the heart of the move.

After she sent Ellie Carpenter bursting down the left, Fowler re-collected the ball at the near post and perfectly weighted her cut-back for Caitlin Foord to slam home.

In a breathless opening 26 minutes, China then levelled from the penalty spot as Zhang Linyan, who was brought down inside the area by Mackenzie Arnold, sent the Australian goalkeeper the wrong way from 12-yards.

The second half began evenly, but Sam Kerr restored Australia’s lead just before the hour mark when she collected the ball of Foord, rounded Peng Shimeng and converted from an acute angle.

In front of a crowd of 35,170 the Matildas defended their goal valiantly and saw out the narrow win to secure passage into the 2026 Asian Cup final.

Attentions now turn to City trio Yui Hasegawa, Ayaka Yamashita and Aoba Fujino’s Japan who will be aiming to join clubmate Fowler in the final when Nadeshiko take on South Korea on Wednesday at 9:00 (UK).

The showpiece will then take place on Saturday 21 March and there will be a City-centric report following full-time on mancity.com and our official app.

City v Spurs: Last chance to buy tickets!

We’re back in action at the Joie Stadium on Saturday 21 March, when we welcome Tottenham Hotspur for a 12:00 (UK) kick-off.

City sit top of the WSL table with just five matches remaining, boasting a 100% record on home soil, but that’ll be put to the test against the visitors.

Indeed, Spurs still hold faint hopes of European qualification and have lost just once on the road in 2026, even winning their last away fixture in the WSL 7-3 at Aston Villa.

It all points towards another thrilling clash at the Joie Stadium. Seated tickets are available from just £15 for adults and £6 for Under-16s, with standing tickets on sale for just £13 for adults or £5 for Under-16s.

Don’t miss out as City’s push for the WSL title continues!

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