Harambee Starlets launched their campaign for a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in emphatic fashion after demolishing Seychelles 11-0 in the first leg of their second-round qualifier at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Thursday.
Kenya produced a dominant attacking display from the opening whistle, overwhelming the visitors with relentless pressure, quick combinations and clinical finishing.
Valerie Nekesa opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Elizabeth Muteshi doubled the advantage in the 25th minute. Nekesa then completed her brace just before halftime to give the Starlets a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
The Kenyan side showed no signs of slowing down after the restart, adding goal after goal as Seychelles struggled to contain the hosts.
Muteshi grabbed her second of the afternoon before Airin Madalina, Martha Amunyolete, Mary Airo, Elizabeth Mideva and Mercy Airo joined the scoresheet as Kenya raced into double figures.
A late 11th goal completed a remarkable afternoon for the Starlets, handing interim head coach Geoffrey “Solo” Oduor a dream start to his tenure.
The victory is also a significant response following Kenya’s disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, where the Starlets exited the group stage without a win or a goal.
With an 11-goal advantage, Kenya now heads into Monday’s return leg in a commanding position and within touching distance of the next stage of the Olympic qualifying campaign.
The second leg will be played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Monday, October 12, with the winner of the tie advancing to the next round. Kenya would then face the winner of the Malawi-Zimbabwe tie.
For Oduor and his players, the emphatic victory provides the perfect foundation as Harambee Starlets continue their quest to secure a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
