Australia head coach Joe Montemurro has laid down a daring challenge to Kenyan football fans to make it as difficult as possible for the Matildas when the two teams meet in the FIFA Series 2026 final on Wednesday at Nyayo Stadium.
Following a dominant 5-0 victory over Malawi in their opening fixture of the FIFA Women’s Series, Montemurro made it clear that his side isn’t just looking for wins,they are looking for a baptism of fire.
With a final showdown against the host nation, Harambee Starlets, looming this Wednesday, the Australian tactician is hoping for a packed atmosphere at the stadium.
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Joe Montemurro challenges Kenyan fans to unsettle Matildas in Nyayo FIFA Series Final
While most coaches dread away pressure, Montemurro views the Kenyan crowd as a tool for his squad’s evolution and evaluation.
“We hope there’s what, 18,000 or 20,000 people. We hope that it’s a very parochial and hostile crowd, and that’s good for us. That’s why we’re here. We’re here to learn different cultures and different understandings.”
He emphasized that the primary goal of traveling to Nairobi was to step out of their comfort zone.
“We’re here to simulate difficult conditions, to simulate hostile crowds, to simulate different things that we don’t get in Asia or in Australia. So for us, the more the challenge, the more we learn and the more we understand what it’s all about.”
The Matilda’s 5-0 win over Malawi on Saturday marked the first time the nation has played on the African continent.
Despite the heavy scoreline against Malawi, Montemurro was quick to praise the quality of football on the continent. Having managed elite African talent during his tenures at top European clubs like Arsenal and Juventus, he believes the continent is on the verge of a breakthrough.
“For me, African women’s football is the big sleeping giant. I think there’s a lot, lot of talent. It’s now just a little more about infrastructure and a little bit of processes of organization. You know, I’ve coached a lot of African players in my clubs in Europe and the talent is incredible. It’s now all about infrastructure and all about processes and organization.”
The Matildas are utilizing the FIFA Women’s Series as a foundation for their long-term preparations ahead of the FIFA 2027 Women’s World Cup and will evaluate their squad with several key players out due to injury.
