FIFA Series: Harambee Starlets stun India to book date with Australia
By Luke Oluoch, April 11, 2026The Harambee Starlets have made history by securing a spot in the final of the four-nation FIFA Series tournament. The Kenyan side edged out India 2-0 in their inaugural meeting at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Goals from Martha Amunyolet and Tereza Engesha in either half were enough to propel Kenya past the Blue Tigresses, who will now face Malawi in the third-place playoff.
Historic milestone
Beldine Odemba’s side proceeds to the final after winning their first-ever match in a FIFA-sanctioned tournament in emphatic fashion on home soil. This feat sets up a mouth-watering clash against Australia’s Matildas in the final, scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the same venue.
Matildas hit Malawi scorchers 5-1 to become the first team to advance to the finals in a one-sided encounter that curtain-raised the Kenya-India match-up.
Dominant Kenya
The Starlets got off to a strong start, taking the lead within the opening minutes from Amunyolet, who stabbed home from inside the box.
Kenya continued to dominate proceedings, pinning the visitors into their own half for much of the match.
Shirleen Opisa nearly made it 2-0 inside the first ten minutes following another sumptuous delivery from Fasila Adhiambo, but Indian goalkeeper Shreeya Hooda was alert to parry the first-time connection.
The only blemish on the first half was a head injury to defender Ruth Ingosi following a nasty collision. The Simba Queens starlet was rushed to the hospital for further medical treatment.
Engesha seals the deal
After several changes in the second half to freshen up the offensive line, Terry Engesha marked her return to the national team fold with a well-taken strike. The goal provided the much-needed insurance to their lead and calmed the nerves of the home crowd and the technical bench.
Starlets outshine their male counterparts
The Starlets’ achievement means they have once again outdone their male counterparts. While the women have marched into a final, Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars only managed a third-place finish after losing on penalties to Estonia in their FIFA Series opener in Rwanda a few weeks ago.
Stars fell to a heartbreaking penalty loss to Estonia before showing resilience to beat Grenada and conclude the FIFA friendlies in third place
The performance marked a fitting finale for the hyped event that served as a perfect weekend activity for individuals and families, which was served with a mix of entertainment in music and riveting football action.