Kenya National senior women team Harambee starlets suffered 2-0 defeat from Europe giants Australia in the Fifa Series at the Nyayo National stadium.
The FIFA Series in Nairobi featured four teams including host Kenya,Australia,Malawi and India.
Kenya made it to the final after beating India 2-0 while Australia beat Malawi 4-0.
Kenya started well in the first half and even missed two clear chances in the first 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, starlets players failed to utilize their chances and were later punished after Australia Sam Kerr who plies her trade for Chelsea Women’s team managed to squeeze a shot past Lillian Awuor who initially thought he had caught the ball only for it to bounce past her.
Kerr, who had been poorly marked when she found the back of the net after a cross has now played 130 games for Australia.
Starlets forward Fasila Adhiambo popularly known as Kamama again failed to put Kenya level after her shot hit the left side of the post.
Wheeler Claire who plays for Everton made it 2-0 in the 55th minute after defensive mistakes.
Harambee starlets coach Beldin Odemba tried to change the style of play for Kenya by bringing in fresh legs with Teresa Engesa being subbed for Ayiro Mercy.
Australia kept on searching for more goals and Catherine Ford’s goal was ruled out for offside in the 60th minute which she protested leading to her being yellow-carded.
Elizabeth Mideva failed to score in the 72nd minute after a save from Australia keeper Arnorld Mc Kenzie.
Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba said they were happy from the atmosphere by the fans who turned to support the team.
Odemba said the starlets had played for quite some time without the home fans.
“We are happy we had a test of the world cup and we really did well. We will tighten the loose nuts going forward. It’s a great game to build from,” she said.
Australia coach Joe Montemurro said they faced a great Kenyan team.
“We have played in the world cup against big teams like Brazil but sometimes teams from Africa can be unpredictable. So we did not know what to expect and the fans also turned out in large numbers. But luckily we managed to win the game,” Montemurro said.
Edited by John Majau
