Kenya Women thrash Seychelles 11-0 to launch Olympic qualifying campaign in style

By Kate Gaduna

Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets made a spectacular start to their campaign for a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, crushing Seychelles 11-0 in the first leg of their qualifying tie at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Thursday. The emphatic victory marked an impressive beginning for newly appointed coach Godfrey Oduor, as Kenya returned to action determined to put their disappointing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign behind them.

Valerie Nekesa set the tone with two first-half goals, finding the net in the eighth and 43rd minutes, while Enez Mango also scored to give Kenya a comfortable 3-0 advantage at the break. The Starlets controlled the encounter from the opening whistle, using their attacking movement and superior quality to overwhelm a Seychelles side that struggled to contain their opponents.

Kenya showed even greater ruthlessness after the restart, adding eight more goals to complete one of their most emphatic victories in recent years. Airin Madalina, Elizabeth Mideva, Mercy Airo and Elizabeth Muteshi all scored twice, while Martha Amunyolete also found the net. The late surge was particularly devastating, with Kenya repeatedly exposing gaps in the Seychelles defence as the match progressed.

The result represents a welcome response after Kenya’s difficult outing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they exited the group stage without a win or a goal. Under Oduor, the Starlets now have an opportunity to rebuild confidence and establish fresh momentum as they pursue their Olympic ambitions. While Seychelles provided limited resistance, Kenya’s clinical finishing and attacking intent will give the coaching staff plenty of encouragement ahead of the next challenge.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Monday, October 12, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with Seychelles using the Nairobi venue for the return leg because of the absence of a suitable CAF-approved stadium at home. With an 11-goal advantage, Kenya are firmly in control of the tie and exceptionally well placed to progress. For the Harambee Starlets, this was more than a big win: it was a statement of intent as they begin a new chapter and continue their journey towards Los Angeles 2028.