In an exciting development for Australian women's football, CommBank Matildas’ interim head coach Tom Sermanni has named a 23-player squad for a highly anticipated two-match series against the Korea Republic. Scheduled during the March/April FIFA Women’s International Window, these matches represent a significant step in the team's preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
The first match will take place at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Friday, April 4, 2025, kicking off at 8:00 PM AEDT, while the second match will be on Monday, April 7, 2025, at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle at 7:30 PM AEST. This series will showcase some of the best talents in Australian women’s soccer, including Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman, who is part of the selected squad.
Returning to the fold is midfielder Clare Wheeler from Everton WFC, who missed the last two international windows due to injury. She will add depth to the squad as they face their AFC counterparts. Also earning a call-up are young defenders Courtney Nevin of Leicester City WFC and Jamilla Rankin from TSG Hoffenheim, both of whom have shown impressive form in their respective clubs.
"This squad selection is about achieving the right balance – reintegrating players returning from injury and rewarding those who have been playing consistently well in clubland," said Sermanni. He further emphasized, "We are fortunate to have a core group of players competing at the highest levels, whether in the UEFA Women’s Champions League or major domestic competitions. Their ongoing exposure to high-pressure environments is invaluable as we prepare for the challenges ahead."
The coach added, "Every match leading into the Asian Cup is an opportunity to fine-tune our approach, build cohesion, and ensure we are performing at the level required to take on Asia’s best during next year’s tournament." This preparation is critical as the Matildas aim to solidify their strategies and team dynamics ahead of the prestigious tournament.
Meanwhile, the A-League Women have been delivering thrilling action, with several standout performances over the weekend. Holly McNamara starred for Melbourne City in their AFC Women’s Champions League quarter-final match against Taichung Blue Whale, leading her team to a 3-0 victory. McNamara converted a penalty and played a crucial role in the game, showcasing her skills on a major stage. This victory propelled Melbourne City into the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament.
Additionally, in a gripping A-League Women match, Emily Gielnik scored twice for Melbourne Victory, securing a dramatic 4-3 win against Newcastle Jets. The match included a stoppage-time winner from Kayla Morrison, demonstrating the nail-biting nature of the league's competition. Morrison’s last-minute goal thrilled fans and brought Victory closer to Melbourne City in the standings.
The weekend also saw the Central Coast Mariners defeat Wellington Phoenix 2-0, thanks to a goal from Annalise Rasmussen and another from Isabel Gomez. This win marked a significant step for the Mariners in their quest to secure a finals spot and illustrated the increasing competitiveness of the league.
In their match, Sydney FC edged past Canberra United with a narrow 1-0 victory, marked by a goal from Mackenzie Hawkesby in the 78th minute. The match not only kept Sydney’s season alive but also underscored the challenges facing Canberra in their current form.
The A-League Women's action continued with Perth Glory narrowly defeating Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0, eliminating the latter from playoff contention. Izzy Foletta scored the pivotal goal, allowing Perth to stay in the hunt for a finals place, while Adelaide United came from behind to beat Brisbane Roar 3-1, with the highlight being Fiona Worts scoring twice following her substitution, illustrating her impact off the bench.
The strong performances in the league are translating into a promising atmosphere for the Matildas. As they prepare to face the Korea Republic, the experiences of these domestic matches will provide valuable insights and competitive edge for the national team.
Finally, the upcoming series against Korea Republic is supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, with matches available for fans to enjoy live through Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia, and on the ABC Listen App. Tickets for both fixtures can be purchased at the Matildas' official website.
The anticipation for this series continues to build as fans eagerly await the Matildas' preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup, which promises to be a thrilling contest for women’s soccer in the region. Australia’s talent depth and preparation will be under the spotlight, as they aim to assert their dominance in Asian football.
