Kenya Coach Beldine Odemba Laments Squandered Opportunities in FIFA Series Triumph

Harambee Starlets secured a victory in the second match of the day in sunny Nairobi by finding the net once in each half. Martha Amunyolet and Terry Engesha netted the crucial goals for the Starlets in that lively encounter.

Earlier, Malawi Scorchers faced a tough opening to their tournament after suffering a 5-0 defeat against Australia, who struck first in the sixth minute through a swift offensive play that surprised Malawi's backline.

The event wraps up on Wednesday, April 15th, featuring the third-place match at 2.00 pm, then the final at 6.00 pm to crown the first FIFA Women’s Series winner.

Kenya is set to meet Australia, while Malawi takes on India in the playoff for third. Odemba urged her squad to net more strikes against Australia, the top seeded team at 15th globally.

‘Kenya could have netted extra’

"We absorbed the guidance, reviewed plenty of footage from India’s games, observed their style," Odemba shared with Flashscore.

"We understood their power, they aimed to control the centre and then advance with the ball.

"The team followed the advice, performed solidly, and we might have added more tallies, particularly before the break, yet as a manager, there’s always room for refinement."

When pressed on Kenya’s dominance over India, Odemba explained: "In women’s football, you occasionally match the rival’s tempo or adapt to their approach, but had India been keener, our players would have matched that intensity.

"It involved analysing the flow and identifying our effective tactics, notably post our initial score. We grew a tad relaxed.

"We aimed for additional goals, wanted the team to push fully, though we have another fixture on Wednesday."

Looking towards the clash with Australia, Odemba noted: "We anticipated a Thursday game no matter what, which is why we rotated some players.

"We felt down about Ruth (Ingosti)’s injury, but she viewed the game and saw Nora (Anne) step up capably. We’ve readied the entire group, all 24 in the squad, prepared to tackle Australia."

This competition aids Harambee Starlets’ buildup for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, running from July 25th to August 16th.

"These friendlies offer our coaching staff the ideal window to blend and shift personnel," Odemba revealed. "By the time we reach WAFCON, we expect the side to be cohesive and primed.

"It won’t be the moment for trials on inclusions or exclusions, but for deploying our prepared roster."

Kenya Placed in Group A for WAFCON

Hosting the FIFA Women’s Series allows Kenya to bolster vital aspects of football progression outside the pitches.

The event fosters advances in staging occasions, logistical coordination, and refereeing, plus hands-on knowledge in handling global events.

Kenya finds itself in Group A for WAFCON with Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria, forming a fierce grouping.

Kenya earned WAFCON qualification via a strong two-part triumph over Gambia in qualifying, starting with a 3-1 home win and sealing it 1-0 away.