Kahli Johnson made an unforgettable debut for the Matildas in Melbourne, scoring a remarkable goal that contributed to a 2-0 victory against Argentina. The match was part of the Matildas’ ongoing effort to build a robust foundation ahead of the upcoming home Asian Cup, showcasing a new generation of talent.
At just 21 years old, Johnson’s dream of scoring for her national team materialised sooner than expected. Taking to the field as a starter under interim coach Tom Sermanni, she quickly made an impression, signalling her intent with her second touch of the ball. Throughout the first half, Johnson threatened the Argentine defence, with her debut goal arriving in the 38th minute. Charli Grant delivered a well-placed cross, allowing Johnson to head the ball elegantly past goalkeeper Abigail Chaves.
Following her goal, Johnson continued to be active, attempting several shots at the net. She nearly scored again in the 69th minute but was unable to connect with Kaitlyn Torpey’s cross as it floated into the net, extending Australia’s lead. Torpey humorously claimed responsibility for the goal, stating she would proudly take credit for it.
Post-match, Torpey expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the hard work that led to their win and the excitement of playing in front of fans. As several key players were absent due to injuries or late arrivals, Coach Sermanni took this chance to field fresh talent, celebrating his 150th match in charge of the Matildas. He praised Johnson’s resilience and confidence on the pitch.
Reflecting on her surprise start, Johnson admitted that she only learned she would be playing just before the match. Initially, she had approached her first camp with the goal of gaining experience rather than expecting to feature prominently. The experience of hearing the crowd and stepping onto the field was surreal for her. Johnson felt supported by her teammates, who helped her adapt to the intensified atmosphere of national camp.
Overall, Johnson’s debut was marked by both her scoring prowess and her composure, as she contributed significantly to the Matildas’ promising future.