Chelsea striker Sam Kerr scores for Australia to silence Kenya in FIFA Series
Kenya's Harambee Starlets advanced to face the Matildas, once referred to as the 'Female Socceroos', following their 2-0 victory over India. Australia, on the other hand, claimed a 5-0 success against Malawi.
In the match versus Kenya, Chelsea forward Sam Kerr, acting as captain, opened the scoring, with Clare Wheeler later confirming the straightforward triumph over the resilient Kenyan outfit.
Under the guidance of coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets dominated early on, putting pressure on Australia's keeper Joe Montemurro.
Australia countered and nearly went ahead in the 12th minute, as Caitlin Foord surged forward from midfield to tee up Kerr, but the 32-year-old's shot went wide.
Ochaka mistake
Kenya's Mwanahalima Adam came close to netting in the 20th minute, yet Foord cleared the danger from point-blank range, after which Elizabeth Ochaka conceded a corner that led to Australia's breakthrough goal.
The corner from Wheeler reached Kerr, who unleashed a first-time volley with her right foot, overpowering Kenyan shot-stopper Lilian Awuor completely. This strike stunned Kenya, who had been effectively restricting Australia up to that point.
Awuor might have handled Kerr's shot more securely, as it escaped through her grasp and into the goal. Australia carried a 1-0 advantage into the interval.
After the break, Australia extended their lead in the 55th minute, with Foord advancing strongly down the right before Wheeler took over. The Everton midfielder glided past Kenya's defenders and placed the ball beyond Awuor.
The FIFA Series contributes to Kenya's buildup ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which acts as a route to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Malawi finish fourth after India defeat
In the play-off for third place, Malawi secured fourth position after a 3-2 loss to India. The Scorchers displayed determination but found themselves trailing on two occasions during the competitive fixture.
Ireen Khumalo and Deborah Henry scored for Malawi, offsetting previous efforts from Astam Oraon and Aveka Singh. Ranked 67th globally, India led 1-0 in the 18th minute courtesy of Oraon, only for Khumalo to level in the 43rd minute.
Singh then re-established India's edge during first-half added time. Malawi mounted a robust response in the second period, Henry equalising at the 60-minute mark, though Singh added another in the 83rd to clinch the win for India.
After the match, Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili reflected on the setback. He noted: “I feel this encounter was less demanding than our clash with Australia.
“Possibly, a few squad members underestimated India following their loss to Kenya. The concessions we made were avoidable. Complacency leads to such outcomes. Ending in fourth place is a letdown.”
Fazili went on: “This event offers valuable groundwork for WAFCON. We've absorbed key takeaways, and we'll approach player selection with care. Only those equipped to contribute will be chosen, irrespective of their league.”
In the same vein as Kenya, Malawi employed the FIFA Series to prepare for the impending WAFCON in Morocco.
The Scorchers face a stern Group C, grouped with holders Nigeria's Super Falcons, Zambia's Copper Queens, and Egypt.