Sam Kerr reflected warmly on her time in Kenya after leading Australia women’s national soccer team to victory in the FIFA Series. The Chelsea Women striker described the experience as memorable, praising both the competitive matches and the welcoming atmosphere throughout the tournament.

The Matildas enjoyed a dominant campaign, including a commanding 5-0 win over Malawi to reach the final. They later defeated Harambee Starlets 2-0 at Nyayo National Stadium. Despite the scoreline, Kerr acknowledged the hosts’ resilience, noting that Kenya made the final far more challenging than expected.

Kerr highlighted the unique playing conditions and strong opposition as key factors that made the tour valuable. She explained that competing in unfamiliar environments pushed the team beyond their comfort zone, offering important lessons.

According to her, these challenges ultimately contributed to the squad’s growth and overall development on the international stage.
Beyond the matches, Kerr praised the Kenyan fans for their energy and hospitality, describing the support as a standout part of the trip.

She also emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for women’s football in developing nations, expressing hope that tournaments like the FIFA Series will continue to inspire growth and unity across Africa.

Sam Kerr netted her 75th international goal as the Matildas secured a 2-0 win over Kenya in the FIFA Series final in Nairobi, cheered on by about 20,000 fans.

The match also celebrated Alanna Kennedy reaching her 150th appearance for Australia, becoming just the fifth player to hit that milestone.

Kennedy now joins an elite group that includes Emily van Egmond, Clare Polkinghorne, Cheryl Salisbury, and Lisa De Vanna. Kerr opened the scoring, while Clare Wheeler added a second-half goal to seal the result.

The game wasn’t without controversy, as a goal attempt from Caitlin Foord was ruled out, sparking frustration from both Kerr and head coach Joe Montemurro. Despite the setback, Australia controlled the match, although Kenya—ranked 128th—delivered a spirited and competitive performance.

Off the pitch, Kerr spoke warmly about the team’s experience in Kenya, praising the hospitality and strong football culture among local fans.

The Matildas also visited the Kibera Girls Soccer Academy, where players like Hayley Raso described the interaction as inspiring, highlighting the joy of connecting with and encouraging young girls through sport.

Joe Montemurro believes the FIFA Series 2026 has played a key role in helping his squad grow as they build toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Speaking alongside captain Sam Kerr, he stressed that Australia approaches every opponent with the same level of preparation and respect.

Montemurro explained that facing unfamiliar African teams has been valuable, giving both players and coaches new tactical insights.

While the team is focused on maintaining high standards, the series has also provided a chance to test different strategies and better understand how to adapt to varied playing styles.

He added that balancing consistency with experimentation is crucial at this stage. The coaching staff want to solidify the squad while also giving opportunities to players who could make the World Cup roster.

Matches like the one against Kenya women’s national football team are useful for testing solutions against defensive setups and real-game scenarios.

Montemurro expects a tough contest, highlighting Kenya’s organisation and discipline. He emphasized that winning remains a priority, but doing so while playing quality football is just as important. According to him, handling different match situations and staying sharp tactically will be key to managing the game successfully.

Kerr, meanwhile, praised the warm reception the team has received in Kenya, noting the enthusiasm of local fans. She also spoke about the growing opportunities in women’s football worldwide, encouraging young players to chase their dreams, regardless of where they come from.

The Australian captain added that professionalism is central to the team’s mindset. Every match is treated seriously, with equal preparation regardless of the opponent’s ranking.

She believes this approach helps maintain high standards and ensures that representing the national team remains an honour for both new and experienced players.