Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has hailed her team’s discipline and structural improvement despite falling 2-0 to Australia in the final of the FIFA Women’s Series at Nyayo Stadium.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd of over 20,000 fans in Nairobi, Kenya displayed resilience against a technically superior Australian side, only undone by clinical finishing from Sam Kerr and Clare Wheeler, who struck in either half to seal the win.

Odemba was quick to point out the positives, especially in how her team maintained shape and executed pressing phases. “Our positional discipline was much better. The spacing between lines and coordination in pressing showed real growth,” she said. “When you play against top opposition like Australia, you are tested in ways that help you improve.”

Australia controlled the tempo early on, stretching Kenya’s defense with width and fluid build-up play. Their first goal came after sustained pressure before halftime, while a swift transition in the second half caught the Starlets off guard to double the lead.

Despite the defeat, Kenya showed attacking intent, with Tereza Engesha leading the charge and the team utilizing the flanks effectively.

Odemba noted that exposure at this level is critical, especially with a young squad transitioning through the ranks. “These players are growing together from U17 to U20 into the senior team. They have years ahead to develop, and experiences like this are part of that journey,” she added.

She, however, admitted that managing high-pressure moments remains a gap. “Game management is an area we must improve. We need to make better decisions under pressure if we are to convert strong performances into results,” Odemba acknowledged.

Captain Mwanalima Dogo echoed her coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of exposure beyond just the result. “Playing in front of such a crowd and against teams like Australia is huge for us. It builds confidence and helps grow women’s football in Kenya,” she said.

The Starlets had reached the final after a composed 2-0 victory over India, where Martha Amunyolete opened the scoring before Engesha sealed the win.

Odemba praised the team’s preparation in that match, saying, “We studied India closely, understood their weaknesses, and executed our plan well. That’s the level of focus we need consistently.”

Australia, coming off a dominant 5-0 win over Malawi in the semi-finals, carried their attacking sharpness into the final, highlighting Kenya’s need for quicker transitions and sharper decision-making.

Looking ahead to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Odemba remains optimistic. “We’ve shown that we can compete. Now it’s about building confidence and making the most of every opportunity going forward,” she said.

While the result did not go Kenya’s way, the tournament offered clear signs of progress—an encouraging foundation as the Starlets continue their journey towards becoming a more competitive force on the continental stage.