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2026 Fifa Series: Kenya's Harambee Starlets sink India, brace for tougher Australia test
Harambee Starlets celebrate their goal against India during Fifa Series international friendly at Nyayo National Stadium on April 11, 2026
After dispatching India 2-0 in their opening match of the 2026 Fifa Series on Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya’s Harambee Starlets face a bigger challenge when they play Australia on Wednesday in the final.
The match will be preceded by a third-place play-off between India and Malawi at the same venue.
Australia qualified for Wednesday’s final after a 5-0 victory over Malawi.
On Saturday, Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba urged her team to capitalise on the chances that come their way against an Australian side ranked 15th globally.
Harambee Starlets' Tereza Obunyu dribbles past India's Aslam Oraon during Fifa Series International friendly match at Nyayo National Stadium on April 11, 2026.
“We need to capitalise on chances that come our way, and be sharper in attack. We’re focused on developing our attackers and finding the right combinations,” she said.
On Wednesday, Harambee Starlets, who are ranked 134th globally, will play an Australian side teeming with European-based stars, led by captain Sam Kerr, who plays for Chelsea Women in England. The other stars in the team include 27-year-old forward Remy Siemen, who plays for Leicester City Women; experienced midfielder Clare Wheeler, who plays for Everton Women, AS Roma defender Winonah Heatley; Brighton’s Charlie Rule, Newcastle United winger Kaitlyn Torpey, and Hayley Raso of German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Harambee Starlets celebrate their goal against India during Fifa Series international friendly at Nyayo National Stadium on April 11, 2026
Australian, christened “Matildas”, finished second in the 2026 Asian Football Confederation Cup on home soil. They have participated in the World Cup nine times since making their debut in the tournament in 1995, and are regular campaigners at the Olympic Games.
On Saturday, coach Odemba underscored the importance of the 2026 Fifa Series.
“The Fifa friendlies provide valuable competition, helping us to identify our mistakes as we prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,” she said.
In their match against India on Saturday, coach Odemba fielded Lilian Awuor in goal, protected by Vivian Nasaka, Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, and captain Rung Ingosi. The midfield consisted of Mwanahalima Adam, Fasilah Adhiambo, and Martha Amunyolete, with Shaylne Opisa, Tereza Engesha, and Eglay Mukhwana leading the attack.
Amunyolete opened the scoring in the second minute for Kenya from a cross by Adhiambo after the midfielder had capitalised on a loose ball from a failed clearance by India goalkeeper Hood Shreya.
The Starlets, who were named the 2026 SOYA Women’s Team of the Year on Friday, missed several scoring opportunities to extend their lead in the first half.
A collision between Ingosi and India’s Xaxa Pyari in the 20th minute resulted in both players being stretchered off, to be replaced by Norah Ann and Pakkirisamy Kaviya, respectively. The changes seemed to have slowed down the Starlets’ momentum.
At the start of the second half, Odemba introduced Airine Madalina and Valarie Nekesa for Opisa and Mukhwana to bolster the attack.
Kenya’s Engesha scored in the 56th minute from a Madalina pass. Ochaka orchestrated the build-up and teed up Jereko and Madalina, who beat two defenders before setting up Engesha for a one-on-one opportunity. Engesha fired past the keeper into the right corner.
Forward Marion Serenge made her national team debut in the 81st minute, replacing Amunyolete.
Coach Odemba was elated with her team’s victory.
“They played according to instructions. We had watched video clips of our opponent’s previous matches and identified their weaknesses, which we exploited to the fullest,” she said.
She added: “We will do our best in our next game. We’ve shown what we’re capable of, and we are more confident going into the next match. We’ll play with the same intensity we displayed today and capitalise on every opportunity. Sometimes in girls’ football, reading the game and knowing what’s best is key. We hoped for more games, and we are looking forward to Wednesday’s match.”
Regarding Ingosi’s injury, Odemba said: “We are saddened by Ruth Ingosi’s injury. Everyone was up to the task today, making transitions and integrating in the team well. Friendlies provide the best opportunity for this. We hoped everyone shall have fitted in the team by the time we play in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. We will then shift our focus from Wafcon to World Cup qualifiers. ”
India captain Sigh Aveka said: “We have seven to eight years to build on this foundation, and losing can be a valuable learning experience that cultivates a resilient mindset in us.”
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