Kenya Fall to Australia as Kerr, Wheeler Secure FIFA Series Title
Chelsea striker Sam Kerr scored as Australia beat Kenya 2-0 in the FIFA Series final at Nyayo Stadium. Clare Wheeler added the second for the Matildas.
Chelsea Striker Sam Kerr scores for Australia to silence Kenya in FIFA series..
Kenya’s women’s national team ended their FIFA Series campaign with a 2-0 loss to Australia in the final at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.
The Harambee Starlets reached the final against the Matildas, previously known as the 'Female Socceroos', after beating India 2-0. Australia advanced with a 5-0 win over Malawi.
Against Kenya, Chelsea striker Sam Kerr captained the side and scored the opener before Clare Wheeler sealed a comfortable win over a determined Kenyan team.
Under coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets looked the better side from the opening stages and kept Joe Montemurro busy in goal.
Australia responded and nearly took the lead in the 12th minute when Caitlin Foord broke through the middle before setting up Kerr, but the 32-year-old fired wide.
Ochaka Error
Mwanahalima Adam almost scored for Kenya in the 20th minute, but Foord did well to deny her from close range. Shortly after, Elizabeth Ochaka conceded a corner that led to Australia’s opener.
Kerr Strikes From Wheeler’s Corner
Wheeler’s corner found Kerr, who struck it first time with her right foot to beat Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor. The goal came as a shock to Kenya, who had managed to contain Australia up to that point.
Awuor should have done better with Kerr’s effort as it slipped through her hands and into the net. Australia went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.
Australia doubled their lead in the 55th minute. Foord made a strong run down the right before finding Wheeler. The Everton midfielder danced 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 in Morocco, which will serve as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
India Edge Malawi in Five-Goal Thriller
In the third-place playoff, Malawi finished fourth after a 3-2 defeat to India. The Scorchers delivered a spirited performance but were twice forced to come from behind in a closely contested match.
Ireen Khumalo and Deborah Henry scored 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.
Singh restored India’s lead in first-half stoppage time. Malawi responded strongly after the break, with Henry levelling it at 2-2 in the 60th minute. Singh then struck again in the 83rd minute to seal the win for India.
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 Super Falcons, Zambia’s Copper Queens, and Egypt.
FT
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 15, 2026
We finish second in the FIFA Series - Women
🇰🇪 0-2 🇦🇺#HarambeeStarlets #FIFASeriesWomenKe #FIFASeries pic.twitter.com/1clzYb5jD6
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.”
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