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Sam Kerr Starts on Matildas Return in 2-1 Win Over Wales as Captaincy Decision Nears

The striker logged 65 minutes in her first Matildas match in 725 days, targeting full fitness for the home Asian Cup.

Overview

  • Australia beat Wales 2-1 in Cardiff with Kerr starting and playing 65 minutes in her first international since November 2023.
  • Courtney Nevin’s free kick was credited as the opener after glancing past Kerr, and Caitlin Foord sealed the win with an 85th-minute strike following Wales’ equaliser.
  • Kerr has declared she wants the armband back, while coach Joe Montemurro has yet to confirm the captaincy and Steph Catley has been skipper during Kerr’s absence.
  • The all-time leading scorer says she currently has about 70 minutes in her after limited Chelsea outings and is aiming to be 90-minute fit for March’s Asian Cup in Australia.
  • Kerr detailed a prolonged ACL graft problem that needed additional surgery during her 20-month layoff, and she now continues her reintegration under Montemurro with England next on the schedule.