Australia’s coach relishes Kenya’s challenge as Ruto rallies Harambee Starlets
Australia’s national team coach Joe Montemurro has revealed that his team is ready to deal with the challenge against the Harambee Starlets as the two face off this Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) giants take on the Kenyan women’s team with the bragging rights of an inaugural first-place finish in the competition at stake.
Big challenge
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Speaking ahead of the clash, Montemurro said his team will be relishing pitting wits against Beldine Odemba’s team, who beat India 2-0 to set up the clash against the Matildas.
“This will be a big challenge for us. Kenya is well organised and compact. We are going to have to be very smart. They have got a couple of very good players. If we’re not careful, the game could turn out differently,” he said as quoted by the club’s portal.
In the respective opening ties, Australia was the dominant side in a free-scoring display against Malawi, shrugging off the African opposition in a one-sided show.
Kenya, on their part, needed two goals to send the India Blue Tigresses packing and secure the final date against the Australians.
“If Kenya’s approach is to be very compact and very deep, that’s a great challenge for us. We need to find ways to unlock those situations through our solutions and through our football.
“The most important thing is that we need to worry about ourselves, and if a team does defend in low blocks, well, then we have to find the solutions.
“All these scenarios, all this knowledge that we gain in these games, are going to be important for us, because it’s simulating real situations,” he explained.
Ruto’s message
As the build-up to the 5:30 kick-off continues, President William Ruto has challenged the Kenyan national team and fans to rally behind the team as was seen on the first day of the tournament on Friday.
The president delivered the message via his X page on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
“Harambee Starlets tuko nyuma yenu as you take on Australia today! Chezeni kaka ninyi na mjue kuwa taifa lote la Kenya tunawategemea,” Ruto said in a rallying statement to the ladies.
The clash will see the Starlets face off against European stars of Chelsea and Arsenal, captained by the legendary Sam Kerr, who plies her trade for Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea Women FC.
The clash will be preceded by a third-place playoff clash pitting Malawi Scorchers against India at 2:00 pm.
