The CommBank Matildas have won the FIFA Series 2026™ after defeating the home side Kenya 2-0 in Nairobi on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST).
Sam Kerr and Clare Wheeler were on the scoresheet either side of half-time in a tough battle to end the FIFA window.
Head Coach Joe Montemurro made three changes to the side that defeated Malawi earlier in the week. Jamilla Rankin, Alanna Kennedy and Amy Sayer came into the side, replacing Emily van Egmond, Alex Chidiac and Courtney Nevin.
Kennedy’s start was her 150th appearance for the national team. She became the fifth player to reach this milestone for Australia and wore the captain’s armband to mark the occasion.
The game started off on even footing. Tereza Engesha looked the most threatening for Kenya, finding space in behind in the 20th minute, only for Mackenzie Arnold to be able to make the save.
Sam Kerr opened the scoring for Australia. After being denied by a fantastic one-on-one save, the ball fell to her at the back post from the resulting corner. Her shot slid underneath the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. It was her 75th international goal.
Kenya kept pushing before half time. Shirleen Opisa forced a wonderful save from Arnold, tipping it over the crossbar, before Fasila Adhiambo hit the post with one of the final touches of the half.
Emily van Egmond replaced Hayley Raso at half-time.
Australia had a fantastic opportunity not long after the break. Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr combined twice, with Foord lifting a shot over the crossbar on the second occasion at the back post.
The second goal came from an unlikely source. Foord did well to run into the penalty area, and cut the ball back to Clare Wheeler. Wheeler darted past three defenders to find space in front of goal and get the shot away to double Australia’s advantage. It was her third international goal in 41 appearances.
The team thought they had their third in the 61st minute. Amy Sayer set up a nice ball to Caitlin Foord, who volleyed into the back of the net. However, the goal was disallowed, and the margin stayed at two.
Two substitutions came in the 77th minute, with Courtney Nevin and Holly McNamara replacing Jamilla Rankin and Caitlin Foord. A triple change came just under ten minutes later – Isabel Gomez, Alex Chidiac and Remy Siemsen this time replaced Kaitlyn Torpey, Clare Wheeler and Sam Kerr.
Gomez’ introduction saw her earn her second cap, and make her first appearance since June 2025.
There was plenty of defending to do as both teams pushed for a goal to end the match. The ball fell kindly to Holly McNamara late who almost made it three, but her shot deflected agonisingly wide of the post.
In the end, it was a valuable 90 minutes of football in front of a big crowd in Kenya that ended in an important win.
Match Summary
Australia: 2 (Kerr 25', Wheeler 54')
Kenya: 0
Australia: 1. Mackenzie Arnold, 3. Winonah Heatley, 5. Jamilla Rankin (2. Courtney Nevin 77’), 6. Clare Wheeler (13. Alex Chidiac 85’, 8. Kaitlyn Torpey (11. Isabel Gomez 85’), 9. Caitlin Foord (25. Holly McNamara 77’), 14. Alanna Kennedy, 16. Hayley Raso (10. Emily van Egmond 45’), 17. Amy Sayer, 20. Sam Kerr (26. Remy Siemsen 85’), 24. Charlize Rule
Unused substitutes: 4. Jessika Nash, 12. Chloe Lincoln (GK), 18. Morgan Aquino (GK), 19. Leticia McKenna
Kenya: 23. Lilian Awuor (GK), 2. Jereko, 3. Vivian Makokha, 7. Shirleen Opisa, 8. Martha Amunyolete, 9. Tereza Engesha (19. Mercy Airo 73’), 11. Norah Ann, 13. Elizabeth Ochaka, 15. Leah Andiema (24. Enez Mango 64’), 16. Airin Madalina (4. Elizabeth Mideva 57’), 21. Fasila Adhiambo
Unused substitutes: 5. Shaline Nambengele, 6. Lorna Nyabuto, 10. Marion Serenge, 12. Janet Mumo, 14. Vidah Sharon, 17. Eglay Mukhwana, 18. Annedy Kundu, 22. Euphrasier Shilwatso