Kenya’s Harambee Starlets begin their journey towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games when they face Seychelles in the first leg of the second round of the CAF Women’s Olympic qualifiers today, Thursday, October 8.
The match is scheduled for 3:00pm EAT at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, with the return leg set for Monday, October 12.
The fixture marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Starlets under interim head coach Godfrey Oduor, who is taking charge of the senior women’s national team for the first time. Oduor has emphasised patience, discipline and competition for places as he looks to establish a new identity for the side.
Kenya will be hoping to make home advantage count against a Seychelles side that stands between them and the next stage of the Olympic qualifying campaign. The winner of the two-legged tie will progress to the third round of the African qualifiers.
Oduor has named a 25-player final squad for the assignment, with experienced midfielder Corazone Aquino and prolific forward Jentrix Shikangwa among the notable returnees. Shikangwa comes into the camp in impressive form after making a strong start with Egyptian side FC Masar.
The Starlets will also look to experienced players including Mwanahalima Adam Jereko, Fasila Adhiambo and Lilian Awuor to provide leadership as Kenya seeks a strong first-leg advantage.
For Oduor, the immediate objective will be to get the result while laying the foundation for a competitive team capable of progressing deeper into the Olympic qualifiers.
With the second leg also being played in Nairobi on Monday, Kenya have a valuable opportunity to take control of the tie on home soil and put themselves in a strong position before the return encounter.
