The Kenya women’s national football team wrapped up their FIFA Series campaign on Wednesday with a 2-0 defeat to powerhouse Australia in the final held at Nyayo National Stadium.
The Harambee Starlets advanced to face the Matildas—formerly known as the ‘Female Socceroos’—following their 2-0 victory over India. Meanwhile, Australia triumphed over Malawi with a decisive 5-0 scoreline.
Sam Kerr, the Chelsea forward and captain, opened the scoring for Australia, while Clare Wheeler secured their comfortable victory against a resilient Kenyan side.
The Starlets, led by coach Beldine Odemba, displayed a strong performance right from the start, forcing Joe Montemurro to stay alert in goal.
Australia nearly took the lead in the 12th minute when Caitlin Foord broke down the middle and set up Kerr, but the 32-year-old missed the target.
Defensive Error by Ochaka
In the 20th minute, Mwanahalima Adam came close to scoring for Kenya, but Foord skillfully denied her opportunity from close range. Subsequently, Elizabeth Ochaka’s mistake led to a corner, which resulted in Australia’s opening goal.
Wheeler’s corner found Kerr, who unleashed a precise right-foot shot, catching Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor off-guard and finding the back of the net. This goal was unexpected for Kenya, who had been effectively managing their opponents until that point.
Awuor should have been able to stop Kerr’s effort, which slipped through her fingers before crossing the line. Australia headed into the half-time break with a 1-0 advantage.
In the second half, Australia doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Foord made an impressive run down the right before passing to Wheeler. The Everton player skillfully navigated through the Kenyan defence and slotted the ball past Awuor.
The FIFA Series serves as critical preparation for Kenya ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco, which will also act as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Malawi Secures Fourth After Loss to India
In the third-place playoff, Malawi finished in fourth place following a narrow 3-2 defeat to India. The Scorchers delivered a determined performance but struggled to keep up, having to come from behind on two occasions in a fiercely contested encounter.
Ireen Khumalo and Deborah Henry netted for Malawi, levelling scores after initial goals from Astam Oraon and Aveka Singh. India, ranked 67th in the world, opened the scoring in the 18th minute courtesy of Oraon before Khumalo equalised just before half-time.
However, Singh quickly restored India’s lead in stoppage time. Malawi responded positively in the second half, with Henry bringing the scores to 2-2 in the 60th minute, only for Singh to clinch the game for India with a strike in the 83rd minute.
After the match, Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili reflected on the loss: “I believe the game was less challenging compared to our match against Australia.
“Perhaps some players underestimated India after they lost to Kenya. The goals we allowed are unacceptable. This serves as a lesson in humility. Finishing fourth is disappointing.”
Fazili continued: “These matches have been excellent preparation for WAFCON. We’ve gained important insights and will be meticulous in our player selections, prioritising those who are ready to perform, irrespective of where they play.”
Similar to Kenya, Malawi utilised the FIFA Series as essential preparation for the upcoming WAFCON in Morocco.
The Scorchers have been placed in a challenging Group C, alongside the defending champions, Nigeria’s Falcons, Zambia’s Copper Queens, and Egypt.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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