Kenya’s national women’s football team Harambee Starlets beat India 2-0 to book a date with Australia in a 2026 FIFA Series encounter played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, 11 April.
A goal in either half from Martha Amunyolet inside the second minute, coupled with a strike from Terry Engesha three minutes shy of the hour mark, ensured Kenya walked away with victory.
Both teams suffered a blow when Ruth Ingosi collided with an Indian player, leaving the two players needing emergency treatment as they had to be wheeled away in an ambulance for specialised treatment.
In the end, Kenya managed to secure an important 2-0 victory against an India side that is ranked 67th on the FIFA rankings, while Kenya are placed 134th.
The win sends Harambee Starlets to the FIFA Series final slated for Wednesday, 15 April at the Nyayo Stadium, where they will face Australia, who thrashed Malawi 5-0 in the other semifinal. Malawi and India will now battle for third place.
Kenya Starting XI: Lillian Awuor (GK), Vivian Nasaka, Leah Andiema, Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Ochaka, Mwanahalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolete, Shalyne Opisa, Tereza Engesha, Eglay Mukwana.
India Starting XI: Shreya Hooda, Purnima Kumari, Astam Oraon, Shilky Hemam, Rimpa Haldar, Pyari Xaxa, Sanfida Nongrum, Lynda Kom, Nirmala Phanjoubam, Babina Lisham, Aveka Singh.
Australia 5 Malawi 0
Three times Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s Nations Cup winners Australia trounced 2023 COSAFA Winners Malawi 5-0 in the opening game of The FIFA Series at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Emily Van egmond, Sam Kerr scored in the first half, while Alex Chidiac and Holly McNamara added more after the break. Leticia McKenna made her senior debut for Australia in the convincing win.
With several big names missing or rested, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro still managed to name a familiar looking lineup. Emily Van egmond started at the point of a midfield that combined Alex Chidiac and Clare Wheeler. Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso started up front, while the back four consisted of Charlie Rule, Winonah Heatley, Courtney Nevin and Kaitlyn Torpey.
Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Arnold, Torpey, Rule, Heatley, Nevin, Wheeler, Chidiac, Van Egmond, Raso, Foord, Kerr. Substitutes: Nash, Rankin, Gomez, Lincoln, Kennedy, Sayer, Aquino, McKenna, McNamara, Siemsen.
Goals: Van Egmond 5’ Kerr 41’ Chidiac 60’ McNamara 86’ McKenna 94’
Malawi (4-5-1): Sikelo, Madise, Khumalo, Alufandika, Mkandawire, Chinyamula, Kafzere, Chinzimu, Mulimbika, Thom, Chikupira. Substitutes: V Mkandawire, Chavula, Phikani, Maulidi, Kaonga, Dickson, Nguluwe, Henry, Banda, James, Sani.
