This was published 7 months ago

For the second time in three years, Australia is hosting a major women’s football tournament. After finishing fourth at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, a home Asian Cup will see the Matildas battle for the trophy. But, heading into their first match against the Philippines on Sunday night, questions remain unanswered.

Who will start in goal?

It’s not looking like Mackenzie Arnold after what appeared to be limited training this week. And Jada Whyman has just been withdrawn from the squad with a knee injury. That leaves her replacement Morgan Aquino or Chloe Lincoln, who herself was called up late as Teagan Micah’s injury replacement.

It feels highly unlikely that coach Joe Montemurro will hand Aquino an international debut in the opening match of a major tournament, despite the DC Power player being a Perth local.

Lincoln has the caps – all three of them – and seems the shoo-in.…