(Reuters) – Australia women’s captain Sam Kerr said it was an “amazing honour” to become the country’s leading scorer after she netted her 54th goal on Friday, breaking the previous record held by former men’s international Tim Cahill.
The Matildas forward surpassed Cahill’s tally of 50 after she struck five goals in Australia’s 18-0 demolition of Indonesia in their Women’s Asian Cup opener in Mumbai.
Kerr was one of the eight players to score in Friday’s victory, which was Australia’s biggest ever in the competition.
“Obviously Tim is a legend in Australia so to be in the same conversation as him is an amazing honour,” Kerr told reporters. “But any time I score for my country, it’s an amazing honour.
“I didn’t have many so I don’t take any goal for granted…. breaking the record is amazing and it’s something I will remember forever.”
Kerr, whose father was born in the Indian city of Kolkata to an English father and an Indian mother, said breaking the record in India made the achievement extra special.
“I definitely thought about that before the game about how special it will be for my family. It’s my first time playing here in India,” Kerr added.
“It’s special to break the record and a bit more special doing it here and in the Asian Cup, which is a really important tournament to me.”
Cahill congratulated Kerr, describing the Chelsea forward as an “inspiration”.
“You are an inspiration globally and I’m one of your biggest supporters and always here for you on and off the park,” Cahill tweeted https://twitter.com/Tim_Cahill/status/1484495272906530818. “Keep breaking records and most importantly enjoy the journey.”
Australia, joint-favourites along with defending champions Japan, next face the Philippines in Monday’s group game of the continental competition which also doubles up as a qualifying event for the 2023 World Cup.
(Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
