Australia head coach sings Harambee Starlets praises after winning FIFA Series
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 16.04.26. | 17:40
The Aussies were one of the four competing teams in the inaugural 2026 Women's FIFA Series, Kenya edition, alongside India, Malawi and Kenya, who hosted the tournament
Australia women's national football team head coach Joe Montemurro was left an impressed man with the Kenya women's national football team, Harambee Starlets, as per his post-match press conference.
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The Aussies were one of the four competing teams in the inaugural 2026 Women's FIFA Series, Kenya edition, alongside India, Malawi and Kenya, who hosted the tournament.
The tourney, which began on Saturday, 11 April, concluded on Wednesday, with a final between The Matildas and Harambee Starlets that ended 2-0 in favour of Australia.
Chelsea Women forward Sam Kerr opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Everton midfielder Clare Wheeler added a second in the 55th minute.
Despite the win, Montemurro took time in his address to the media to elucidate why the Kenya team caught his attention.
“Credit to Kenya, they had three or four opportunities to score. We got exposed a couple of times, and I believe they are a very good, organised side.
Wheels weaving through players 🪡
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) April 15, 2026
🎥: @ParamountPlusAU
#Matildas #KENvAUS #FIFASeries pic.twitter.com/Lm1cPswDNA
We came here to play in these conditions to understand African football and the game,” said Monetemurro.
The final brought together two distinct teams at different ends of the spectrum. Australia are ranked 15th globally and have competed at the FIFA Women's World Cup nine times, while Kenya has yet to make it to the global tourney, qualifying for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations just twice.
Nonetheless, Harambee Starlets’ display was still decent enough to satisfy Montemurro’s expectations.
“We wanted to learn, to help us grow and where to improve. In international football, you prepare for anything, such as the match against Kenya.”
The 56-year-old also took time to applaud the hospitality that The Matildas received from the Kenyan populace.
“There were great fans, a good home crowd, and that is exactly what we wanted. There have been beautiful and fantastic people. It has been an amazing tournament for us.
Kerr makes it goals in back-to-back games and has the opener here in Kenya! 💪
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) April 15, 2026
🎥: @ParamountPlusAU
#Matildas #KENvAUS #FIFASeries pic.twitter.com/l8tvFrjcLI
We have loved being in Nairobi, and all the fans and everyone in Kenya should be proud of this tournament,” she added.