FIFA Series: Starlet's Adam eyes historic upset against Australia in dream final

Harambee Starlets forward Valerie Nekesa says Kenya will not be intimidated by global heavyweights Australia when the two sides clash in the FIFA Women’s Series final on Wednesday, April 15, at Nyayo Stadium.

The Starlets booked their place in the final after a confident 2-0 win over India Women’s National Football Team on Saturday, continuing their impressive rise on the international stage.

They now face the “Matildas,” who thrashed Malawi Women’s National Football Team 5-0 in their opening match.

Despite the gulf in rankings, Australia sitting 15th globally and Kenya 134th, Nekesa insists the Starlets will back themselves.

“When it comes to Australia, we are not afraid. We will play our usual game, neat touches and try to make the best of any chance that we will create. They are a very good side but so are we and we will be ready to show it on Wednesday,” she said.

Her teammate Mwanahalima Adam Jereko echoed the sentiment, describing the match as both a challenge and an opportunity to grow ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

“It will be a tough match considering that Australia is high-ranked team but a nice opportunity to learn from the best. We are gearing up to play in the WAFCON tournament in July-August and will be good preparations ahead of the continental showpiece,” she noted.

The final is set to kick off at 5:50 PM EAT, following the third-place playoff between India and Malawi at 2:00 PM.