The East African nation went into the FIFA Series looking to test themselves against the mighty, and they defeated India 2-0 in their opener to set up the final against the Matildas, who had humiliated Malawi 5-0 in their first game.
Despite putting up a brave fight in the final, Kenya suffered defeat after Chelsea striker Sam Kerr notched the opener before Clare Wheeler sealed the win.
Kenya created their own share of chances but could not find the back of the net. They looked the better side from the opening stages, but were kept at bay by goalkeeper Joe Montemurro, who did a superb job to keep Australia in the game.
Kenya confident going to WAFCON
Kenya used the FIFA Series as part of their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), slated for Morocco, which will serve as the pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“I am glad the girls are learning, and they are learning really fast,” a beaming Odemba told Flashscore despite the defeat.
“We have never played a team outside Africa, and we are happy that we played against a big team, and the girls gave their best. We got numerous chances, and now we really know that we need to work on our chances.”
Odemba added: “One chance, one goal is our rule now.”
On how the FIFA Series will help Kenya going forward, Odemba said: “As a coach, as technical bench, we are very confident with the team we have, we shall go to WAFCON and perform well.
“FIFA Series has enabled us to see where we are, to see how we are, to see what we are to work on, and I am really proud of the girls. They are doing well, and we are confident going to the WAFCON.”
Odemba concluded: “I am impressed with the whole team, not only the centre backs, but the whole team. They played as a team, they gave their best, and so far we feel we have built a team ready for the WAFCON.”
‘Kenya was difficult opponent’
Australia coach Joe Montemurro maintained Kenya was a very good side, and very organised and conceded the Starlets had given his team the kind of competition they were looking for during the FIFA Series.
“Kenya is a very good side, and very organised, and we came here to play under these conditions, to understand African football, and to understand the surprises that may come, great fans, and we got exactly what we wanted out of it,” explained Montemurro.
Montemurro added: “Kenya was fantastic, we wanted a difficult opponent, and that is why we were here. We wanted to learn because it helps us to grow.
“It helps us to look at things the way we want to look at, in the end we missed a lot of chances, but look, that is football, international football, we just have to prepare for anything that comes your way.”
Kerr, who was the crowd puller, said she had enjoyed playing in Nairobi in tough conditions that they are not used to.
“The Kenyan people are so lovely, and welcoming, I can’t wait to see them and give back to them,” said Kerr.
“It was quite enjoyable for us to be honest, we really enjoyed being here. They were tough games, under tough conditions, things which we are not used to, but it was quite a good experience for us.”
Harambee Starlets have been drawn in Group C of the WAFCON alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria in what promises to be a highly competitive pool.
Kenya secured their place at the WAFCON after a convincing two-legged victory over the Gambia in the qualifiers. The Starlets recorded a 3-1 win in the first leg before completing the job with a 1-0 victory in the return fixture, advancing with a 4-1 aggregate score.
The 2026 edition will mark a significant milestone for the Harambee Starlets, who will be returning to WAFCON 10 years after their debut in 2016.