Kenya’s girls will face Turkey for bronze after their semi-final defeat to Germany.
Marcy Odhiambo’s equaliser forced a shootout, but Germany won 5-3 as Kenya turned their attention to a bronze medal clash with Turkey.
Kenya lost their girls’ ISF World Cup semi-final to Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Suzhou, China. Germany won the shootout 5-3, ending Kenya’s bid for the 2026 International School Sports Federation football title.
However, the Kenyan girls still have a chance to finish on the podium against Turkey. Germany will meanwhile face hosts China in the final.
Odhiambo equaliser lifts Kenya
Germany controlled the opening half, using their physical advantage to put Kenya under pressure. They took the lead from a corner, but Kenya tightened their defence to prevent another goal before the break.
After the restart, Kenya raised the tempo and kept Germany in their own half for long spells. The girls attacked with greater urgency as they searched for a way back into the contest.
The pressure eventually brought a breakthrough when Marcy Odhiambo scored in the 68th minute. Her equaliser rewarded Kenya’s improved second-half display and gave the team fresh momentum.
Kenya then pushed for a second goal, making several attempts as Germany struggled to build attacks. However, the German defence held firm and denied Kenya the lead.
Neither side found a winner in regulation time, so the match went to a penalty shootout. Germany converted all five kicks, while Kenya scored three.
ISF World Cup bronze remains within reach
Despite the disappointment, captain Khadija Furaha said the team had shifted its attention to the bronze medal match. She acknowledged Kenya’s effort against Germany but stressed that the players now wanted a strong finish.
The clash with Turkey therefore offers Kenya another opportunity to secure a medal after missing the final. Their second-half recovery against Germany had kept their title hopes alive until the shootout.
Guinea reach boys’ final
Meanwhile, Africa’s representatives Guinea advanced to the boys’ final with a 3-1 victory over Germany. They will meet Croatia, who also won their semi-final 3-1 against Turkey.
Those results set up a Guinea-Croatia title decider, while Germany’s girls remain in contention for their trophy against China.
