Kenya's Harambee Starlets have taken a commanding lead in their Olympic qualifier against Seychelles, winning the first leg 11-0 at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The team's head coach, Godfrey Oduor, has cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the need to maintain their attacking intent in the return leg on Monday. Oduor stressed that the team will not relax despite their emphatic victory, and will instead focus on creating more scoring chances.
The match saw Valary Nekesa score an early goal, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Elizabeth Muteshi doubled Kenya's advantage, and Nekesa added another goal as the Starlets dominated the Seychelles side. Airin Madalina also scored twice, while Martha Amunyolet and Airo completed the rout after the break. Madeline also got on the score sheet as Kenya stretched the margin to eight.
The emphatic victory gives Kenya a significant advantage ahead of Monday's return leg at Ulinzi Sports Complex, with Seychelles serving as the nominal home side. The match marked the first competitive assignment for interim head coach Godfrey Oduor, who was appointed barely a fortnight ago following the departure of Beldine Odemba. Oduor has promised to give his squad a fresh attacking approach while keeping focus on the opponent.
Oduor addressed the absence of some players who had been summoned to camp but failed to report, insisting discipline remains non-negotiable. "For the girls who were called and did not make it to camp, it is a matter of discipline. Rules have to be followed," he said. The coach also mentioned that senior girls who did not feature in the first XI will have the opportunity to play in the next game.
The result represents a strong response from Starlets after a disappointing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, where they failed to win or score, losing 4-0 to the hosts, 1-0 to Senegal and 2-0 to Algeria. Kenya entered Thursday's tie as overwhelming favourites, given Seychelles' heavy defeats against Ethiopia in warm-up matches.
The Harambee Starlets were strengthened by the return of forward Jentrix Shikangwa and Corazone Aquino, who had been left out of the 2026 WAFCON squad. The team's performance in the Olympic qualifier is seen as a crucial step towards the 2028 Olympics, with Oduor keen to build a side capable of competing beyond the opening rounds.
The return leg will take place on Monday at Ulinzi Sports Complex, with Kenya seeking to navigate the two-legged tie and continue their long route towards the 2028 Olympics. Key players to watch include Valary Nekesa, Elizabeth Muteshi, and Airin Madalina, who scored crucial goals in the first leg.
Key points
- Harambee Starlets thrash Seychelles 11-0 in Olympic qualifier
- Coach Godfrey Oduor warns against complacency ahead of return leg
- Kenya seek to navigate two-legged tie and continue route towards 2028 Olympics
