FIFA Series: Kenya full of confidence ahead of WAFCON – Odemba

Despite losing in the FIFA Series final against Australia, Kenya women national team head coach Beldine Oeemba has highlighted the importance of the tournament as part of preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The Starlets put up a spirited performance but went down 2-0 against Australia in the final played at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.

FT

We finish second in the FIFA Series – Women

🇰🇪 0-2 🇦🇺#HarambeeStarlets #FIFASeriesWomenKe #FIFASeries pic.twitter.com/1clzYb5jD6

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) April 15, 2026

Kenya had defeated India 2-0 to set up the final against Australia, who has appeared in the FIFA Women’s World Cup eight times.

Chelsea striker Samantha Kerr and Everton defender Clare Wheeler scored in either half to dampen the mood for the partisan fans at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The Matildas had opened the series with a 5-0 victory over Malawi in the opening semifinal at the same venue on Saturday.

‘I am really proud of the girls’

“FIFA Series has enabled us to see where we are, to see how we are, to see what we are to work on, and I am really proud of the girls. They are doing well, and we are confident going to the WAFCON,” said Odemba as quoted by Flashscore.

“I am impressed with the whole team, not only the centre backs, but the whole team. They played as a team, they gave their best, and so far, we feel we have built a team ready for the WAFCON.”

Kenya created numerous chances

On Kenya’s performance, Odemba said: “I am glad the girls are learning, and they are learning really fast.

“We have never played a team outside Africa, and we are happy that we played against a big team, and the girls gave their best. We got numerous chances, and now we really know that we need to work on our chances.

“One chance, one goal is our rule now.”

Kenya used the FIFA Series as part of their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), slated for Morocco, which will serve as the pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.