Harambee Starlets progressed to meet Matildas, who were previously known as the “Female Socceroos”, after defeating India 2-0. For Australia, they secured a 5-0 against Malawi.
Goals from Emily Van Egmond, Sam Kerr, Alex Chidiac, Holly McNamara, and Leticia McKenna secured the dominant victory in Nairobi. While Kenya is known in Africa, Australia is a three-time OFC champion, one-time AFC champion and one-time AFF champion.
The team has represented Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on eight occasions (once as co-host in 2023) and at the Olympic Games on five, although it has won neither tournament.
Despite all their pedigree, Odemba is not losing sleep coming up against Australia only insisting they have what it takes to cause an upset.
‘It will be good moment for Starlets’
“It’s a big game, I agree, but I wouldn’t say it is the toughest because I have never played against them,” Odemba told Flashscore ahead of the game.
“We are going to play against them (Australia) for the first time, and we have prepared to play against them, and we are happy to play against a tough opponent.
“I once said to be a big team, you must play against big teams, so, we are happy that it’s happening.
“It will be lessons for us, it will be a good moment for our players, big moment for the country, and for me as coach to play against a world class team, eight times in World Cup.”
Odemba added: “But we are making steps to get there, so it is a good challenge.”
On whether Kenya has injury concerns, Odemba said: “Yeah, just one or maybe two will not be involved. As we all know Ruth (Ingosi) was injured, and she was stitched, and she will be out for two weeks, so she won’t be available for selection.
“We are also monitoring Valerie (Nekesa), she was knocked on the thigh (against India), not so bad, but we cannot promise she is ready for selection.”
Odemba concluded: “The girls understand they are playing against big names; they also understand they are playing against a team that is far better than us, and it’s a tactical team, and to play against a tactical team, you have to prepare tactically, and also to play a tactical game. We have prepared all the aspects.
“It is a good thing we are playing such teams because we are preparing to play such teams. We want to get there, and we cannot get there by not playing such teams or by playing teams that are better ranked than us.
“This is a good test for us, and winning this game, drawing, losing, which we are not going to talk about now because it is not in our vocabulary at the moment, is a big lesson, and is a big step forward for women's football.
“So, it is good to see what it feels to play against what the world knows as giants. We need moments like this to show what we are made of.”
‘Australia a team like any other’
Kenya captain Mwanalima Adam said: “Australia is a team like any other, it’s a game like any other, what matters is how we approach the game, we believe in ourselves.
“It will be a good game to play with a team with experienced players.”
Harambee Starlets defender Elizabeth Ochaka said on facing Chelsea striker Sam Kerr: “Personally, I do not fear her. She has two legs just like me.
“It is a great opportunity to play these stars even as we prepare ourselves for WAFCON, where we will come up against top, talented players.”
Before Kenya takes on Australia, Malawi will confront India in the third-place play-off. The Scorchers will be aiming to finish the tournament on a high after suffering a heavy defeat to Australia.
“We are preparing well for the game against India. Whatever went wrong in our opening game against Australia has been rectified, and the players understand how important this game is. We are expected to get the win, and everyone is ready,” said Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili.
He added: “Tactically and technically, India are a team that plays as a unit. They were playing a 4-4-2 formation, pressing collectively. We have been preparing with that information in mind, and whatever approach we bring will be a positive one.”
The FIFA Series is part of Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations slated for Morocco, which will serve as the pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
