Coach Odemba lauds Starlets’ discipline despite Australia defeat

Harambee Starlets' Vivian Nasaka shields the ball from Matilda's Caitlin Ford during their encounter/HARAMBEE STARLETS

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has praised her side’s improved positional discipline despite a 2-0 loss to the Australia women’s national football team in the final of the FIFA Women’s Series at Nyayo Stadium.

Backed by over 20,000 fans in Nairobi, Kenya, showed resilience against a technically superior opponent but were undone by clinical finishing, with Sam Kerr and Clare Wheeler scoring in each half to secure victory for Australia.

Odemba highlighted better spacing between lines and more coordinated pressing as key positives, noting clear progress compared to previous outings. “Playing top opposition helps us grow.

In terms of integration and transition of some of the girls from U17 to U20 now to the senior women’s team, they have about seven to eight years to build on this. Losing helps you to build. We have to start building that mindset,” she said.

Australia dictated the tempo early, using structured build-up and width to force Kenya into a compact defensive block. The breakthrough came before halftime after sustained pressure, while a quick transition sealed the result in the second half.

Despite the defeat, Kenya showed flashes of attacking intent through Tereza Engesha and overlapping runs from the flanks, underlining a willingness to engage rather than sit back.

Odemba admitted that game management under pressure remains an area that requires improvement if Kenya is to turn strong performances into results at the continental level. The Starlets had reached the final with a composed 2-0 victory over India, with Martha Amunyolete opening the scoring before Engesha doubled the lead.

“They took in instructions, watched a lot of clips of how India play, we saw their chances and utilised them. We would have had a good run, more goals,” Odemba added.

Australia, who had thrashed Malawi 5-0 in the semi-finals, carried that attacking sharpness into the final, exposing Kenya’s need for quicker decision-making under pressure.

Still, phases of organised defending and improved ball circulation pointed to progress across the tournament. Captain Mwanalima Dogo emphasised the broader impact beyond results, saying the exposure gained was vital for growth.

“Support is always nice. It’s good for women’s football to grow. It’s important and gives us exposure both on and off the field,” she said. Looking ahead, Odemba expressed confidence in the team’s development and attacking identity.

“We have also shown them we can. We will now have more confidence going forward. We need to utilise all that comes our way,” she said.

With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations now in focus, Kenya will look to build on lessons gained from facing elite opposition, with Odemba banking on such exposure to shape a more competitive and resilient squad.