Australia defeated China 2-1 in a pulsating semi-final clash at Perth Stadium, securing a place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup final and keeping alive their dream of claiming continental glory on home soil.
Caitlin Foord opened the scoring with a superb right-footer from medium distance, recording her 40th international goal and third in AFC Women's Asian Cups. The early breakthrough gave the Matildas a foothold in a match where China, as the reigning AFC Women's Asian Cup champions, posed an immediate threat.
The lead lasted only nine minutes. In the 26th minute, China equalised through a penalty converted by Zhang Linyan after Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold brought down an opponent in the box. The goal stirred a competitive second half, with neither side backing down.
The decisive moment came from Sam Kerr in the 58th minute, who surged forward and sidestepped Chinese goalkeeper Peng Shimeng before slotting the ball in from a tight angle, with Foord providing the assist. The Perth crowd erupted at the sight of their hometown hero restoring the advantage.
Midfielder Emily van Egmond made her 170th appearance for the Matildas, making her the most capped player in Australian football history. China's coaching staff included former Matildas head coach Ante Milicic, who previously managed Australia to the round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The winner will head to Sydney to take on the victor of South Korea versus Japan, with the final scheduled for March 21 at Stadium Australia. For the Matildas, a home-soil championship now sits within reach.