The Australia women’s national football team produced a dominant display at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday afternoon, sweeping aside the Malawi women’s national football team 5–0 to underline their status as favourites in the FIFA Women’s Football Series.
From the onset, Australia’s quality, already evident from a squad packed with players from top European leagues, began to shine through. Leicester City’s Midfielder Emily Van Egmond opened the scoring early in the 5th minute with a neat finish after timing her run perfectly to meet a long ball from Courtney Nevin.
The Matildas controlled possession for large spells but had to remain alert to Malawi’s pace in transition, with their defensive line tested on a few occasions. The second goal arrived in the 41st minute following a well-worked move by Arsenal’s Forward Caitlin Foord delivering a dangerous cross into the penalty area, for Captain Sam Kerr finishing from close range to double the lead. Kerr thought she had added another moments later, but the effort was ruled out for an offside.
Malawi nearly found a way back just before the break through Vanessa Chipikula, but a crucial save from Mackenzie Arnold ensured Australia went into halftime with a comfortable 2–0 advantage.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Australia firmly in control while Malawi continued to threaten occasionally. Alex Chidiac extended the lead with a superb long range effort, her first international goal since 2023, capping an impressive performance in midfield.
Substitutions added further energy, and Australia’s fourth goal came through a well executed move, Jamilla Rankin surging run on the wing to deliver a cross ,that was met by Holly McNamara to make it 3–0
Matildas were not done , as in the 90+ 4 minute , debutant Leticia McKenna was Played through ball by Raso , Leticia showed composure to round her marker and finish neatly into the corner, completing a five star performance.
Attention now turns to the final where the Matildas will face hosts Kenya women’s national football team, The Harambee Starlets on April 15, a clash that promises to bring Nyayo National Stadium to life as Kenya tests itself against one of the world’s elite sides.
