Debutant scores as Matildas kick off FIFA Series with thumping win

Source : ABC NEWS

The Matildas have cruised to a 5-0 win over Malawi to kick off their FIFA Series in Kenya.

Taking on world number 153 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, veterans Sam Kerr and Emily van Egmond netted in the first half before Alex Chidiac, Holly McNamara and debutant Leticia McKenna completed the rout.

Chidiac, who was a member of the Asian Cup squad but did not play a minute of the tournament, was named player of the match.

Captain Kerr was subbed out at half-time for Remy Siemsen, as coach Joe Montemurro mixed in some newer faces with his Asian Cup finalists.

McKenna was the newest of the lot and the Melbourne City star kicked off her international career in style with a stoppage-time goal.

Hayley Raso pounced on a wayward Malawi pass in midfield and found McKenna with a neat through ball.

McNamara, who scored late in regulation, was charging forward alongside her but McKenna opted to drill a ball low into the left corner of the goal before being swamped by her teammates.

It wrapped up a joyous day for the Australians, which started when van Egmond, the most capped Matilda in history, latched onto a free-kick that was taken quickly and surprised the defence.

Van Egmond got a touch with her right foot around Madise Chimwemwe to poke home her 33rd international goal.

Kerr made it 2-0 in the 41st minute when goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo missed a Caitlin Foord cross and Kerr cleaned up, and she thought she had a double just before half-time but it was ruled out for offside.

Montemurro shuffled his team around the hour mark, when Chidiac ended a three-year international drought before swapping out for McNamara, who latched onto fellow substitute Jamilla Rankin’s low cross as regulation time wound down.

McKenna ended the game in fitting fashion before the players stuck around to sign autographs for fans.

The Matildas will take on hosts Kenya next, kicking off at 12:30am AEST on Thursday.