Goals from Sam Kerr and Clare Wheeler were enough to hand the Matildas a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Harambee Starlets as they were crowned champions of the inaugural women’s FIFA Series 2026 at Nyayo National Stadium.
The match began at a high tempo and inside the opening two minutes, goalkeeper Lilian Awuor was called into action, pulling off crucial saves to keep the Starlets level.
Australia responded quickly, probing Kenya’s backline, but defender Elizabeth Ochaka stood firm with a timely clearance in the fifth minute.
The Matildas continued to apply pressure, pinning Kenya in their own half, though the Starlets remained organized. Kenya earned their first corner in the ninth minute, taken by Martha Amunyolete, but it yielded little.
Moments later, a foul on Norah Ann handed Australia a set-piece opportunity as the physicality of the contest increased.
Kenya grew into the game, with Fasila Odhiambo and Shalyne Opisa both threatening, though their efforts were well dealt with by the Australian defence led by Charlie Rule.
A flowing move involving Vivian Nasaka, Amunyolete, and captain Mwanahalima Adam showcased Kenya’s attacking intent, but it ultimately fizzled out.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. After Awuor had initially denied Kerr, the Australian captain capitalized on a rebound from a well-worked corner routine, squeezing a low effort past the Kenyan shot-stopper who needed to do better to give the visitors the lead.
Australia grew in confidence, dictating the tempo with crisp passing and movement. Kenya, however, continued to threaten on the counter, with Mwanahalima pulling the strings in midfield.
The Starlets came close to equalizing just before the break when Fasila struck the post after being picked out by Tereza Engesha.
The second half saw Australia tighten their grip. Despite a few promising moments from Kenya, including a blocked effort from substitute Elizabeth Mideva, the Matildas doubled their lead in the 54th minute.
Wheeler finished off a well-constructed move, slotting home from close range after a delivery from Caitlin Foord.
Kenya pushed forward in search of a response, forcing several corners and testing goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who produced a series of fine saves, including a late stop from Mideva’s long-range strike.
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Both sides made tactical substitutions as the game wore on, with Australia managing the tempo and maintaining their defensive solidity. Kenya’s efforts, though spirited, could not break through the disciplined Australian backline.
At full-time, Australia emerged 2-0 winners, securing the FIFA Series title. Kenya finished second after an impressive campaign, while India claimed third place and Malawi settled for fourth.
Despite the defeat, Harambee Starlets showed resilience and promise, giving the home fans plenty of positives to take from the tournament ahead of their second appearance in the WAFCON.