Summary
The Matildas have shaken off some wasteful finishing to thump Malawi 5-0 in their Fifa Series opener in Kenya.
Captain Sam Kerr and veteran Emily van Egmond each scored in the first half as Australia controlled the tempo but took time to put away the world No 153. Alex Chidiac impressed in a return to the midfield, after not being called off the bench at all during the Asian Cup campaign last month, and added to Australia’s lead after the break alongside Holly McNamara. Debutant Leticia McKenna completed the rout with a goal deep into stoppage time.
Van Egmond celebrated becoming the most capped Matildas player in history in style when getting on to the end of a free kick to open the scoring in the 5th minute. Kerr doubled the lead when netting from a Caitlin Foord cross in the 41st minute, though Australia might have been well clear of Malawi at that stage if not for a lack of composure in front of goal.
Coach Joe Montemurro rang the changes at the break and through the second half, with the fresh lineup bringing more energy and invention to the game. Chidiac put the result all but beyond doubt with a slice of individual brilliance and a rocket into the net in the 60th minute, while McNamara latched on to a Jamilla Rankin cross in the 86th.
The Matildas complete the Fifa Series with a match against Kenya after the hosts defeated India, with kickoff on Thursday 16 April at 12.30am AEST.
Updated
And here is cool, calm McKenna looking like she’s scoring Matildas goal number 10 or 20, not 1.
