Kenya end FIFA Series campaign with dominant Grenada win
Goals during the first half by Austin Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam, along with a later strike from substitute Zech Obiero, helped Kenya secure one victory in the Series before heading home. The team incorporated this event into their training regimen for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Following the initial match against Estonia, where Harambee Stars fell 5-4 in a penalty shootout, coach Benni McCarthy adjusted several positions in the starting lineup, as Ian Otieno gave way to Farouk Shikhalo in goal.
Rooney Onyango, Alphonse Omija, and Frank Odhiambo maintained their defensive duties, whereas Aboud Omar, who had led the side against Estonia, took a seat on the bench and was substituted by Clarke Oduor. The latter plays for EFL League Two outfit Grimsby Town on loan from Bradford City.
Duke Abuya entered the fray in place of Richard Odada, the player who missed the decisive penalty versus Estonia, and received the captain's band. Manzur Okwaro retained his spot in midfield, with William Lenkupae beginning from the substitutes.
Austin Odhiambo retained his forward role next to Ryan Ogam, who lined up with Job Ochieng and Ben Stanley Omondi. Just two minutes into the game, Kenya nearly opened the scoring, yet Clarke Oduor squandered the chance after a pass from Obuya.
Austin Odhiambo put Kenya ahead
Kenya maintained control during the early stages, showing better form than in their encounter with Estonia. The East Africans earned a further chance from beyond the penalty area when Trevon Williams brought down the onrushing Obuya.
Austin Odhiambo lined up for the free kick, which Trishawn Thomas anticipated correctly to fist away for the initial corner. The corner that followed lacked quality, allowing Thomas to remove the threat.
Still, Kenya's persistent attacks bore fruit in the 13th minute as they broke through. A powerful left foot shot by Ryan Ogam from distance was parried back into the field, and Austin Odhiambo pounced swiftly to guide it across the line.
Kenya extended their advantage five minutes later. From a swift corner, the ball reached Ben Stanley Omondi, whose attempt was half blocked and fell to Ogam. The ex-Tusker FC forward rifled it low into the right corner for his brace in the FIFA Series.
In the 32nd minute, Austin Odhiambo struck the post while Kenya kept pressing Grenada, a team that had suffered a 4-0 defeat in their opening FIFA Series game to host nation Rwanda.
Harambee Stars entered the interval with a 2-0 advantage, though it might have been greater if they had converted more of their superiority into scores.
Shikhalo denied Grenada
As the second period began, McCarthy introduced three substitutions for Kenya - Stanley Omondi, Erambo, and Rooney Onyango departed for Mohammed Bajaber, Alpha Onyango, and Daniel Sakari.
That said, Grenada crafted the opening opportunity of the half as Jabari De Coteau chased a pass in behind, but his attempt to chip Shikhalo was foiled by the keeper, who blocked with his legs to concede their first corner.
In the 61st minute, McCarthy implemented additional swaps, bringing on Brian Bwire for Shikhalo, Alphonse Omija for Frank Odhiambo, Lawrence Ouma for Ogam, Zech Obiero for Austin Odhiambo, and William Lenkupae for Clarke Oduor.
Harambee Stars missed a chance to make it 3-0 in the 74th minute, as Lenkupae, after evading Grenada's rearguard effectively, fired a weak effort that failed to test Thomas.
Nevertheless, Obiero netted Kenya's third goal in the 81st minute from a shot inside the penalty area that deflected en route to the net. Even as Grenada sought a response, Kenya stood resolute to earn a shutout and decisive triumph.
The 2026 version of this programme involved 48 national squads - accounting for nearly one quarter of FIFA's 211 Member Associations - divided into 12 groups of four teams apiece.
This Series received approval from the FIFA Council back in December 2022 and aligns completely with FIFA's Strategic Objectives for the Global Game covering 2023-27.