Harambee Starlets progressed to meet Matildas, who were previously known as the 'Female Socceroos', after defeating India 2-0. For Australia, they secured a 5-0 win against Malawi.
Against Kenya, Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, who captained the side, found the opener before Clare Wheeler sealed the comfortable win against a determined Kenyan side.
The Starlets, under coach Beldine Odemba, looked the better side from the opening stages, keeping Joe Montemurro busy in goal.
Australia responded and almost took the lead in the 12th minute when Caitlin Foord raced through from the middle of play before setting up Kerr, but the 32-year-old fired wide.
Ochaka mistake
Mwanahalima Adam almost scored for Kenya in the 20th minute, but Foord did well to deny her from close range before Elizabeth Ochaka gave away a corner, which resulted in Australia’s opener.
The corner delivered by Wheeler found Kerr, who hit a one-time effort with her right foot, beating Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor all the way. The goal came as a shock to Kenya, who by that time had managed to contain Australia.
Awuor should have done better to stop the effort from Kerr as it slipped through his fingers before finding the back of the net. Australia went into the half-time break enjoying a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Australia doubled their lead in the 55th minute, Foord made some good runs from the right before Wheeler. The Everton star danced her way through Kenya’s defence before slotting the ball past Awuor.
The FIFA Series is part of Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, slated for Morocco, which will serve as the pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Malawi finish fourth after India defeat
In the third-place playoff, Malawi finished fourth after suffering a 3-2 defeat against India. The Scorchers put up a spirited performance but were twice forced to come from behind in a closely contested match.
Ireen Khumalo and Deborah Henry found the net for Malawi, cancelling out earlier goals from Astam Oraon and Aveka Singh. India, ranked 67th in the world, took the lead in the 18th minute through Oraon before Khumalo equalised in the 43rd minute.
However, Singh restored India’s advantage in first-half stoppage time. Malawi responded strongly after the break, with Henry levelling matters in the 60th minute, but Singh struck again in the 83rd minute to seal victory for India.
Speaking after the game, Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili explained the defeat. He said: “I think the game was not as tough compared to the match against Australia.
“Maybe some players took India for granted after seeing them lose to Kenya. The goals we conceded are not ones we are supposed to allow. That is what happens when you take things for granted. Finishing fourth is disappointing.”
Fazili continued: “These are good preparations for WAFCON. We have learnt important lessons, and we will be very careful in selecting players. We will pick those who are ready to deliver, regardless of where they play.”
Just like Kenya, Malawi used the FIFA Series as part of their preparations for the upcoming WAFCON in Morocco.
The Scorchers have been drawn in a tough Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria’s Falcons, Zambia’s Copper Queens and Egypt.