Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder Janae De Fazio wasn’t named in the matchday squad, but fans can celebrate another strong performance from the Philippines as they kept their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ quarter-final hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Iran in Group A on Sunday.
Mark Torcaso’s side secured third place in the group with goals in each half, leaving themselves in contention to advance as one of the best third-placed teams ahead of the final round of group matches.
Both teams made several changes to their line-ups in a must-win clash. Iran started strongly, testing goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel early on, but the Southeast Asians soon settled into the match. After sustained pressure, Sara Eggesvik opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark, reacting quickly to a loose ball and slotting it past 38-year-old Iranian goalkeeper Raha Yazdani.
The second goal came late in the 82nd minute when substitute Chandler McDaniel kept her composure to fire past Yazdani, aided by a slight deflection. Despite late chances, the Philippines held on for a clean sheet, with Iran’s efforts to claw back thwarted by McDaniel and some tight defending.
While De Fazio didn’t feature on the day, the Wanderers midfielder remains an important part of the extended squad as the Philippines chase a spot in the knockout stages, with more opportunities likely in the coming matches.
