The CommBank Matildas have chalked up another win under head coach Joe Montemurro, defeating Wales 2-1 in Cardiff in a game where superstar Sam Kerr made her long-awaited international return.
Australia took control early, and their pressure was rewarded in the 28th minute when left-back Courtney Nevin opened the scoring with a superb curling free-kick – her first goal for the Matildas.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO ROUND 1 OF THE NINJA A-LEAGUE
It appeared for all the world that Chelsea star Kerr got the final touch on the in-swinging free-kick before it crossed the line; however, replays showed the striker didn’t touch the ball before it nestled in the back of the net, giving the former Wanderers and Melbourne Victory defender Nevin a moment to savour.
FEATURE INTERVIEWS:
IZZY GOMEZ: Why Central Coast’s new Matildas star shunned overseas interest to remain a Mariner
HANA LOWRY: The Road to ACL Recovery: How one simple trick made a world of difference for Sydney FC star
Wales found a way back into the contest shortly after half-time, with Mared Griffiths levelling the score following a defensive lapse in the Australian backline.
SEASON PREVIEW: Your club-by-club guide to the Ninja A-League 2025-26 season
Receiving the ball on the right of the Matildas box, Griffiths lifted her head and curled a sublime effort over the diving Teagan Micah which flew into the far corner to make it 1-1.
Making her international return some 725 days after her last Matildas appearance, all-time leading goalscorer Kerr was withdrawn in the 65th minute, with Melbourne City gun Holly McNamara brought on as her replacement, and the 22-year-old would play a key part in the Matildas’ winner.
In a move which started with a brilliant turn and pass from McNamara in the middle of the park, the ball eventually found its way to Kyra Cooney-Cross down the Matildas’ right, and the Arsenal midfielder duly picked out the unmarked Foord inside the box, who fired home the winner in trademark style.
TRANSFER NEWS: Western Sydney Wanderers sign ‘elite-level’ Aussie international champ: ‘Highly talented player’
Canberra United ace and Ninja A-League all-time leading goalscorer Michelle Heyman was brought on late in the piece in a bid to add a third for the Matildas and while McNamra went closest to achieving that objective, the Matildas held on for a hard-fought victory in the UK.
While the scoreline might suggest a routine friendly, the clash at the Cardiff City Stadium gave Matildas boss Montemurro plenty to ponder ahead of his side’s next international clash, which sees them face European Champions England on Wednesday morning.
