Perth, March 12 (NationPress) Australia has secured a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 following a tense 2-1 victory over DPR Korea at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday.

Sam Kerr emerged as a key player, netting one goal and assisting Alanna Kennedy for another, as Australia - who were eliminated in the quarter-finals four years prior - advanced to face either defending champions China PR or Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals. This victory also guaranteed their spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

Although DPR Korea’s aspirations for the title were thwarted, they can hold their heads high after a commendable performance and will now focus on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 playoff against either China PR or Chinese Taipei on Thursday.

Australia, who claimed victory in the 2010 edition, made two adjustments from the team that drew 3-3 with Korea Republic, while the three-time champions DPR Korea swapped Hwang Yu Yong for Song Chun Sim from the eleven that had started in the 2-1 loss to China PR.

Both teams adopted a high-pressure strategy, but it was the East Asian side that nearly startled the hosts in the fifth minute when Kyong Yong connected with Ri Hye Gyong inside a crowded box, only for the defender’s header to go wide. After enduring relentless pressure, Australia took the lead unexpectedly when Kerr dispossessed An Kuk Hyang, setting up Kennedy for the first goal in the ninth minute.

Kerr’s delivery into the box was intercepted by Chae Un Yong, but her half clearance fell perfectly for Kennedy, who sidestepped the midfielder and scored her fifth goal of the tournament with a looping shot over keeper Yu Son Gum. DPR Korea responded fiercely, with Australia’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold making a crucial parry against Kyong Yong’s glancing header in the 26th minute and later denying Un Yong’s low drive from a tight angle six minutes later.

Australia continued to face danger and were relieved in added time when Myong Yu Jong played the ball back into the box for Hong Song Ok, whose low shot beat Arnold but struck the right post, leaving DPR Korea at halftime with four shots on target yet trailing due to Australia’s solitary effort. The lead was doubled just two minutes into the second half when Katrina Gory pressured Kim Song Gyong, allowing Kerr to surge into the box and finish with a powerful left-footed shot.

Far from discouraged, DPR Korea ramped up their efforts to equalize, and their persistent pressure bore fruit in the 65th minute with an elegant team play where Song Ok fed Kyong Yong, who set up Un Yong to score and bring DPR Korea back into contention.

Fueled by their goal, DPR Korea intensified their pursuit of the equalizer, but Arnold made smart saves against Ri Hak and Kuk Hyang as Australia held on to progress to the semi-finals.