‘They Exposed Us’ - Australia Coach Surprised by Harambee Starlets’ Quality After FIFA Series Win

Australia coach Joe Montemurro has lauded Kenya over the high quality they displayed against his team during the FIFA Series final match at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.

The Matildas won 2-0 but were fortunate not to concede as Harambee Starlets took the game to them and created a number of good chances which they did not take.

Shaylene Opisa and Fasila Adhiambo were guilty of missing clear-cut opportunities for Kenya when they got into good areas but either fluffed their lines or saw the goalkeeper pull off brilliant saves.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

While mistakes in defence and from the Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor gifted Australia the win, Starlets should have secured a positive result and Montemurro admits it was not as easy as perhaps he would have wished.

“We did not control the game very well. Congratulations to Kenya, they came out and created four very good chances,” the Australia coach said after the match. “Maybe if we took our chances, it would have been worse but it was an exciting game.”

While praising Kenyan supporters for turning out in large numbers, the quality of Beldine Odemba’s team left a lasting impression on Montemurro, admitting that they laid bare some of her team’s weaknesses.

“I want to thank the fans, great atmosphere for us. Exactly what we needed. We came here because we know these nations are unpredictable, we sometimes don't know what to expect,” he added.

“Well done to Kenya, they put on a good show, played some good football and sometimes exposed us.”

It is high praise for Kenya from a nation ranked 15th in the world and regulars at the World Cup with the lessons picked key for Starlets as they prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to take place from July 25 to August 18 in Morocco.