Ruto backs Harambee Starlets to win FIFA Series final after edging India
By Joel Masibo, April 12, 2026President William Ruto has congratulated Kenya’s Harambee Starlets after the team edged India 2-0 to book a date with Australia at the FIFA Series final on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Starlets, under the tutelage of head coach Beldine Odemba, made an easy task against the Asian side on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Nyayo Stadium, where local football enthusiasts had turned up in numbers to support the Kenyan girls.
Ruto’s message
Following the victory, Ruto took to his official social media pages on Sunday, April 12, 2026, lauding the team and reminding them about the task ahead against Australia, who trashed Malawi 5-0 in their opening fixture of the competition at the same venue.
”Congratulations Harambee Starlets on your remarkable victory against India, securing a place in the final of the FIFA Women’s Series. You have made the nation proud. As you head to the final, know that the entire nation stands firmly behind you, united in support and confident in your ability to win the tournament,” Ruto said while throwing his weight behind Odemba’s charges.
First-half and second-half strikes from Martha Amunyolet and Tereza Engesha, respectively, proved decisive, sending Kenya into the final while India dropped to the third-place playoff where they will face Malawi women’s national football team.
Kenya in control
Kenya made an aggressive start, breaking the deadlock early through Amunyolet, who finished from close range. The hosts maintained pressure throughout the contest, keeping India largely confined to their half.
Shirleen Opisa nearly doubled the lead within the opening ten minutes after connecting with a well-delivered ball from Fasila Adhiambo, but Indian goalkeeper Shreeya Hooda reacted quickly to deny her.
The first half, however, saw a worrying moment when defender Ruth Ingosi suffered a head injury following a collision and was taken to hospital for further treatment.
Engesha wraps it up
In the second half, tactical substitutions added fresh energy to Kenya’s attack, and Engesha made an instant impact on her return to the national team by finding the back of the net. Her goal effectively secured the win and eased tension among the home supporters and bench.