Matildas Edge Kenya 2-0 in Fifa Series Final, Despite Controversial Goal

The Australian Matildas concluded their groundbreaking Fifa Series tour with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Kenya in Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium. Sam Kerr scored her 75th international goal, which proved to be the softest of her career, as she set her team on the path to victory.

In front of a lively crowd of 20,000 Kenyan fans, the Matildas secured their win with goals from skipper Kerr and midfielder Clare Wheeler in each half. Despite their ranking difference - Australia is 15th globally while Kenya is 128th - the Kenyan team showed resilience, particularly in the first half.

Kerr's goal came in the 25th minute after a corner from Jamilla Rankin found her unmarked in the box. The Kenyan goalkeeper, Lillian Awuor, made a critical error, allowing the ball to dribble through her fingers.

The match turned controversial in the 60th minute when Caitlin Foord's goal was disallowed for reasons that left everyone in the stadium, except the referee, perplexed. Foord had powered the ball into the net from a narrow angle, but the referee ruled it hadn't crossed the line.

Clare Wheeler's second goal for Australia came in the 54th minute after Foord's individual effort created the opportunity. Wheeler's neat footwork allowed her to evade defenders and slot the ball home.

The win marked a significant milestone for Alanna Kennedy, who earned her 150th cap and was named captain for the day. The Matildas' coach, Joe Montemurro, reflected on the team's performance, acknowledging both the positives and the controversy.