Australia counted the gains and picked lots of positives as they edged out home girls Kenya 2-0 in a near sold-out Nyayo National Stadium to clinch the inaugural FIFA International Women’s Series, Nairobi edition trophy.
Chelsea forward Sam Kerr and Clare Wheeler netted in either half to give The Matildas a morale-boosting victory. But beyond the result on the pitch, Aussies coach Joe Montemurro looked at the gains picked, and was left singing praises to the Harambee Starlets for their performance.
“Credit to Kenya because they gave us a run for our money and had some three or four good chances to score. They are a very good team and pushed us to our limits. This was a very good opportunity for me to look at my team and how much growth we have had and what we need to do more,” the former Arsenal Women coach said.
He added; “I am really grateful to FIFA for this Series because we get to meet teams from across the continents and we get to experience not only a different culture but different patterns as well. These two games here have been a great eye opener for me and the team and it is such a good platform to base our World Cup preparations on.”
Kerr broke the deadlock for Australia in the first half, her shot from inside the box sliding through the keeper’s fingers. A brilliant team move in the second half saw Wheeler make a simple finish from inside the box.
Kerr was delighted with the trophy, as well as the experience of playing in the FIFA Series. “This was a great experience for each and every one of us. Beyond the pitch, beyond playing, we got to interact with players from different backgrounds as well as the fans and we got to feel the love. This is a huge step for women’s football because we deserve this and more.”
Kenya’s Starlets left the pitch heads held high despite the defeat. Coach Beldine Odemba was happy with the output of her girls.
“We conceded from one mistake and I think that kind off set us off balance. But, I am really happy with the girls. We went toe to toe with such a team as Australia and had chances to score. It shows our improvement especially with a young squad,” Odemba said.
The Starlets were fearless against the Matildas, and the best chances fell on young former Kenya U-20 captain Fasila Adhiambo who hut the post twice and had two more shots saved by the keeper. Captain Mwanahalima Adam said she was proud of the team and their effort.
“Australia is one of the best women’s football teams in the world and we showed today that we can compete. We didn’t play with fear, we didn’t hold ourselves back and that is the character we need especially heading to the Cup of Nations. I am proud of the team and proud that we lifted the flag of our country high, showing we are equally talented,” she noted.
Meanwhile, India finished off in third position after edging out Malawi 3-2 in a thrilling bronze medal match earlier on. Astam Oraon gave the Indian girls a 1-0 lead before Irene Khumalo drew the Malawians level from a stunning freekick.
However, India went to the break 2-1 up via an Aveka Singh goal. Malawi responded shortly into the second half to level via Deborah Henry. Idnia though had the last laugh, Aveka completing her brace six minutes to time.
Despite defeat, Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili was delighted with the opportunity to expose her team to high level competition before their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) debut later in the year.
“We played a team from Oceania and a team from AFC and this is the high level competition and exposure we needed before WAFCON. I believe we have picked great lessons which will help us shape our preparation. I have also had an opportunity to see the players and who can stand up in times of pressure and we have also greatly built our character,” the tactician said.
The FIFA International Women’s Series involved 16 teams spread across four venues, and the Nairobi stop ended in a beautiful night of joy, celebrations and fireworks. For Kenyan fans, it was not only an opportunity to support their national team, but a chance to show that women’s football has taken a significant step of growth in the East African country.
