The President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto has praised the Harambee Starlets for finishing second in the just ended FIFA Women’s Series.

Kenya lost to highly ranked Australia 2-0 in the final played at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Earlier India stopped Malawi 3-2 in a play-off to decide which teams takes third position.

“Well done, Harambee Starlets, on finishing runners-up at the FIFA Series Women’s Tournament,” said Ruto in a massage on his X platform.

The President made it clear that the team carried the nation’s hopes with pride, rising to the occasion and showcasing talent on the global stage. “Your performance throughout the tournament is a clear testament to your discipline, resilience, and growing strength as a team,” he added.

He advised the team to build on the lessons learned and the experience gained, and continue preparing with focus and determination for the challenges to come.

Kenya also used the FIFA Women’s Series to prepare ahead of 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Tanzania’s women’s team suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in an international friendly match played last evening in Rabat, Morocco.

The two teams use the match as part of their preparations for ahead of the upcoming 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Atlas Lionesses started scored early after 4 minutes through Sanaa Mssoudy. The forward later doubled her tally in the 76th minute.

Tanzania’s team handled by Bakari Shime tried to make some changes, but failed to find the goals against the hosts. After 80 minutes Yasmin Lamrabet added another for the hosts to make it 3-0.

For the WAFCON 2026 Tanzania are placed in Group B alongside South Africa, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Kenya are the second team that qualified from the CECAFA Zone to play at the WAFCON 2026.

Five teams from the CECAFA Zone have kick started their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier campaigns with away wins.

Tanzania started by recording a 3-2 win against Botswana in a first round match played at the Obed Itani Chikume Stadium.

Fatuma Hassan, Steven Bahati and an own goal by Zuhura Mlekwa ensured Tanzania collected a vital away win. Bridget Setuke and Hope Lesotlo scored for the hosts.

On Saturday Burundi also collected a 2-1 victory against hosts Malawi. Eneles Fabiano gave Malawi the lead, but Belyse Niyonkwizera and Irene Tuyishemeze replied for the Burundi team.

Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya joined the party on Sunday by recording away wins. Betelhem Giachew and Mihret Ayele scored as Ethiopia defeated South Sudan 2-0 in a match played at the Juba National Stadium.

In Harare, Uganda scored through Immaculate Acen and Lydia Nameseruka to stop hosts Zimbabwe 2-0, while Kenya also picked a 2-1 win away to Namibia.

Lindey Weey and Faith Boke scored for Kenya, while Teyanna Awases pulled one back for the hosts.

Rwanda will also be in action on April 17^th in the first leg against Zambia, while DR Congo has already picked a walkover Djibouti.

After the first round two more rounds will be played to determine which four teams qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Morocco will host the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Kenya Women’s National Team Harambee Starlets produced a dominant display to beat India 2-0 in the FIFA Women’s Series 2026 fixture in Nairobi on April 11, 2026.

Martha Amunyolet and Terry Engesha netted the goals to guide Kenya to victory in a match played at the Nyayo Stadium.

The encounter marked the first-ever meeting between the two nations and saw Kenyan side start on the front foot, pressing high and dictating the tempo from the first whistle.

Kenya drew first blood in the second minute as Fasila Adhiambo whipped in a cross from the left that was parried by India goalkeeper Shreya Hooda. The ball fell squarely on Amunyolete path who made no mistake but fire past the keeper and hand the Starlets an early goal.

Kenya were the better side creating a number of opportunities and were solid at the back, thwarting India attacks to maintain their lead.

After the break Kenya came back with renewed energy, introducing fresh legs in Madina and Nekesa, while India brought on Priyadharshini Selladurai.

Kenya’s persistence in attack would pay off in the 57th minute when a perfectly weighted through ball split the Indian defense and in position Terry Engesha raced forward squaring it into the bottom corner to double Kenya’s lead.

India did make a number of changes in search of reply but Kenya was firmly on driving seat and maintained composure to seal of an important win.

All eyes now shift on the Wednesday finals where Kenya tussles with Australia who thrashed Malawi 5-0 in the other semifinal while India face Malawi in the third-place playoff on Wednesday.

The FIFA Women’s Series are official, competitive international friendly tournaments designed to provide women’s national teams with opportunities to play against opponents from different confederations, fostering global football development. The inaugural women’s edition in 2026 features tournaments in Kenya, Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Thailand, focusing on increased competitive experience.