Australian women’s football team coach Joe Montemurro has unveiled his squad selection for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup, set to commence on home soil in just ten days. The announcement confirms superstar striker Sam Kerr will captain the side in her fifth appearance at the continental tournament.
In a significant development, Montemurro has included Manchester City forward Mary Fowler, marking her return to international duty following a lengthy rehabilitation from a serious knee injury. Fowler sustained an anterior cruciate ligament rupture during last April’s Women’s FA Cup semifinal, requiring reconstructive surgery and limiting her to merely fifteen minutes of competitive play since.
The squad features experienced veterans Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter as vice-captains, providing leadership support to Kerr as Australia seeks its second Asian Cup title, having previously triumphed in 2010. This tournament, along with next year’s World Cup in Brazil, potentially represents the final major international competitions for many Matildas veterans who featured prominently in the 2023 World Cup.
Montemurro emphasized the selective process, stating: “Selecting a squad is never easy. But it is a privilege to bring together players who truly represent the identity and spirit of the Matildas, and who understand the responsibility of representing Australia.”
Australia begins its campaign against the Philippines in Perth on March 1, followed by group stage matches against Iran on the Gold Coast (March 5) and 2022 finalists South Korea in Sydney (March 8). The twelve-team tournament, featuring defending champions China, will conclude with the final at Sydney’s Olympic stadium on March 21, with matches distributed across five venues in Perth, Sydney, and the Gold Coast.