FIFA Women's International Series: Starlets Shine in Nairobi Before Falling to Australia

The Harambee Starlets delivered a performance that will live long in the memory of Kenyan football fans, defeating India 2-0 in the semi-final of the FIFA Women's International Series at Nyayo National Stadium before bowing out to a clinical Australia side by the same scoreline in the final.

Goals from Esse Akida and Cynthia Shilwatso sealed a dominant victory over India, with Kenya controlling possession and creating chances throughout. The win marked a significant step forward for women's football in the country, with over 8,000 fans packing the stands to cheer on the home side.

In the final, the Matildas proved too strong for the hosts, with early goals from Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler putting the game beyond Kenya's reach by halftime. Despite a spirited second-half display, the Starlets were unable to find a way through Australia's disciplined defence.

Head coach Charles Korir praised his squad's commitment and growth throughout the tournament. The event, backed by FIFA's development programme, is part of a broader push to elevate women's football across Africa. Kenya's hosting of the series has been hailed as a success by organisers and fans alike.

The Starlets now turn their attention to the 2026 Africa Women's Cup of Nations qualifiers, buoyed by the experience of competing against top-tier opposition on home soil. The Nyayo Stadium crowd gave the team a standing ovation after the final whistle, a sign of the growing appetite for women's football in Kenya.