Harambee Starlets delivered a commanding performance to beat India 2-0 and secure a place in the finals of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series at Nyayo Stadium, setting up a mouthwatering clash against Australia.
Goals from Martha Amunyolete and Tereza Engesha ensured head coach Beldine Odemba’s kicked off an impressive run infront of home fans.
The encounter, which marked the first-ever meeting between the two nations and Odemba’s 25th match in charge of Harambee Starlets, saw the hosts start on the front foot, pressing high and dictating the tempo from the first whistle.
Kenya drew first blood as early as the second minute. Fasila Adhiambo whipped in a teasing cross from the left that was parried by India goalkeeper Shreya Hooda, but the ball fell kindly to Amunyolete who reacted quickest to fire past the keeper and hand the Starlets an early advantage.
The quick opener set the tone for a dominant first half from the hosts.
India looked shaky at the back, and Kenya nearly doubled their lead in the seventh minute through a similar attacking move, with Adhiambo once again causing problems down the left flank. However, Hooda stood firm to deny the Kenyan attackers from close range.
The Starlets continued to boss the midfield, with Mwanahalima Adam and Amunyolete pulling the strings and controlling possession.
India attempted to respond in the 14th minute through Lynda Kom and Babina Lisham, but Kenya’s defence, marshalled by Ruth Ingosi, remained compact and organized.
A moment of concern came in the 19th minute when Ingosi was involved in a head-on collision with India captain Pyari Xaxa, forcing both teams into early substitutions. Norah Ann replaced Ingosi for Kenya while Kaviya Pakkirisamy came on for the injured Xaxa.
Harambee Starlets book spot in final of FIFA Women’s Series 2026
Kenya maintained their attacking intent, heading into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead after a lively first half that saw them dominate possession and limit India to counter-attacking opportunities.
The hosts resumed the second half with renewed energy, introducing fresh legs in Madalina and Nekesa, while India brought on Priyadharshini Selladurai.
Kenya’s persistence paid off in the 57th minute when a perfectly weighted through ball split the Indian defence, allowing Engesha to time her run to perfection before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Engesha nearly added a third in the 63rd minute after Hooda’s misplaced kick gifted her possession, but her hurried effort sailed over the bar.
With time winding down, India made further changes in search of a response, but Kenya remained solid at the back and dangerous in transition, comfortably seeing out the match to seal victory.
The win sends Harambee Starlets to the FIFA Series final, where they will face Australia, who thrashed Malawi 5-0 in the other semifinal. Malawi and India will now battle for third place.
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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.