In a thrilling encounter during the FIFA Series final at Nyayo Stadium , Kenya’s Harambee Starlets fell 2-nil to Australian national women’s soccer team.

Over 20,000 local fans cheered on the home team from the start with Kenya showing threat in space behind the defense and Australia needing sharp saves to stay level. The first major moment came when Tereza Engesha found room in the 20th minute, only for Mackenzie Arnold to make the stop.

Full of intent Shirleen Opisa’s good effort was saved by Mckenzie while a shot from Fasila Adhiambo struck the post. Kenya would then fall behind after a loose ball from a corner was met by Sam Kerr whose low shot went through the hands of Kenyan goalkeeper Lillian Awuor,.

In the 50th minute, Claire Wheeler would weaved through Kenya defense to beat Kenyan goalie and send to a 2 goal lead. Despite the scoreline, the game highlighted the rising competitiveness in women’s soccer, with Kenya, ranked 128th, showcasing resilience against the higher-ranked Matildas, who sit at 15th in the world.

In the third-place play-off of the FIFA Series 2026, the Indian women’s national team secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Malawi at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Astam Oraon, Aveka Singh, and substitute Priyadharshini Selladurai were on target for the Blue Tigresses, while Khumalo Ireen and Henry Deborah scored for Malawi.

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).

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.

All the three foreign teams India, Australia and Malawi have jetted in Nairobi ahead of the FIFA Women’s Series 2026.

Kenya will host one of the groups of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series from April 11-15^th at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Indian team arrived first on Monday, while Australia and Malawi arrived next ahead of the International friendly matches organized under the FIFA Series.

“Finally welcome to Kenya Team Malawi. Football truly unites the world, and we are honored to host you for the 2026 FIFA Series Women. We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament, and we hope you enjoy your stay in Kenya,” said Hussein Mohammed, President of Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets will face India in one of the matches on April 11th, the same day highly ranked Australia take on Malawi. The winners will face off in the final, while the losers also battle in a play-off all on April 15^th.

Last month Rwanda successfully hosted two groups of the FIFA men’s Series. The International friendly matches also featured teams from the CECAFA Zone; Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.