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Kenya fall to Australia in 2026 Fifa Women’s Series final in Nairobi
Harambee Starlets’ Vivian Nasaka (down) challenges Caitlin Foord of Australia during a FIFA Series international friendly at Nyayo National Stadium on April 15, 2026.
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets fell to a 2-0 loss against Australia's Matildas in the well-attended final of the 2026 Fifa Women's Series Nairobi group at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Chelsea striker Sam Kerr opened the scoring in the 25th minute, her tame shot slipping between the hands of Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, who was distraught after the error. It was Kerr’s second goal that made her the top scorer in the group.
Clare Wheeler doubled the lead for the Matildas in the 50th minute when she slotted the ball into the net following a slalom run in the Starlets' box.
Battling Starlets squandered numerous opportunities to get on the scoresheet.
Shalyne Opisa had two shots saved by Mackenzie Arnold in the 45th minute, the first of which was parried for a corner, which resulted in Opisa's second attempt on goal.
Fasila Odhiambo hit the post in the final minute of the first half injury time after a promising run into the box.
Harambee Starlets’ Vivian Nasaka (left) dribbles past Australia’s Caitlin Foord during a Fifa Series international friendly at Nyayo National Stadium on April 15, 2026.
Inspired by their captain, Mwanalima Adam, who was a metronome in midfield, Starlets threatened with waves of attacks, keeping Arnold and her defence on their toes.
Substitute Elizabeth Mideva almost set up the match for a nervy ending, but her vicious shot in the 88th minute was parried away for a corner.
Fasila came close in the dying minutes, but her goal-bound shot was blocked after her dummies and shimmies had floored half of Australia's defence.
Earlier at the same venue, India's Blue Tigresses defeated Malawi Scorchers' 3-2 to finish third in the four-team Fifa tournament.
India led 2-1 at halftime, with goals by Astam Oraon (18th minute) and Aveka Singh (45th minute) sandwiching Ireen Khumalo's strike in the 43rd minute.
Henry Deborah equalised for Malawi in the 60th minute, after which the Scorchers wasted numerous chances to win the match.
India punished Malawi's profligacy in the 84th minute when substitute Priyadharshini Selladurai scored their winner.
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