By the 254.ke Newsroom
Harambee Starlets beat Seychelles 11-0 for the second time in four days on Monday, October 12, 2026, to win their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifier 22-0 on aggregate and reach the third round. The return leg at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi finished 11-0, matching the first-leg scoreline. Kenya now wait to learn whether Malawi or Zimbabwe stand between them and the final stage of qualifying.
What happened in the Kenya vs Seychelles Olympic qualifier?
Both legs of the second preliminary round were played in Nairobi, and both ended 11-0.
- First leg, Thursday, October 8: Kenya 11-0 Seychelles at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Kenya led 3-0 at half-time, according to The Standard, and Valarie Nekesa scored twice, in the 8th and 43rd minutes. Citizen Digital reported that Mercy Airo, Elizabeth Mideva and Martha Amunyolete were also among the scorers.
- Second leg, Monday, October 12: Kenya 11-0 Seychelles at the same venue, with a 5-0 half-time lead, according to allAfrica.
- Aggregate: Kenya 22, Seychelles 0.
Published match reports differ on some first-leg scorers and minutes, so 254.ke has limited the first-leg detail above to what at least two outlets agree on.
Who scored for the Starlets in the return leg?
allAfrica’s report lists these Kenya scorers on Monday:
- Sylvia Makungu (6′)
- Violet Nanjala (12′)
- Jentrix Shikangwa (17′, 20′ and a third later, completing a hat-trick)
- Vivian Nasaka (31′)
- Mwanalima Adam (48′, 78′)
- Fasila Adhiambo (85′)
- Marion Serenge (87′ and in stoppage time)
That adds up to the 11 goals. The scorers were spread across defence, midfield and attack, a reflection of a 43-player provisional squad that included five debutants, as Pulse Sports Kenya reported on October 2.
Who do the Harambee Starlets play next?
The opponent is Malawi or Zimbabwe. Malawi won the first leg 2-0 in Lilongwe through Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga, per Citizen Digital, and the return leg was due in Harare this week. 254.ke could not confirm a result for that second leg at the time of writing.
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | CAF qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic women’s football tournament |
| Kenya’s result so far | Beat Seychelles 22-0 on aggregate (two 11-0 wins) |
| Next opponent | Winner of Malawi v Zimbabwe (Malawi lead 2-0 from first leg) |
| Third round window | February 23 to March 6, 2027 |
The third-round venues and exact dates had not been announced in the reports 254.ke reviewed.
What did the coach and players say?
Interim head coach Godfrey Oduor, in his first match in charge after taking over from Beldine Odemba, told reporters after the first leg that winning the second match was “very important” because the team has “goals to play in the next round as well,” Citizen Digital reported. Midfielder Mwanalima Adam said the squad is “ready to face whoever our opponent turns out to be” and that “our dream is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.”
The results come after a bruising year for the team. The Starlets went out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage in July, as 254.ke reported in Harambee Starlets Eliminated From WAFCON 2026 After Group-Stage Defeats. Seychelles’ coach, Chris Yip-Au, said his side started well but faded in the second half, which he put down to fitness and the weather.
How does Olympic qualifying work for Kenya?
Kenya has to win each round on aggregate over two legs. The third round, scheduled between February 23 and March 6, 2027, is the next hurdle. CAF’s own pages carry the official qualifying draw and fixtures; see CAF Online for confirmed dates. For more on the national teams’ wider calendar, read Guinea vs Kenya AFCON Qualifier: Time, Venue, Group D Table and Nyayo Stadium Renovation Stalls Over Sh984M Bill Before AFCON.
FAQ: Harambee Starlets and the 2028 Olympic qualifiers
What was the aggregate score between Kenya and Seychelles?
Kenya won 22-0 on aggregate after winning both legs 11-0 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, on October 8 and October 12, 2026.
Who will Harambee Starlets face in the next round?
Either Malawi or Zimbabwe. Malawi led the tie 2-0 after the first leg in Lilongwe.
When is the third round of Olympic qualifying?
The third round is scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, according to Citizen Digital. Specific fixtures had not been published.
Who is the Harambee Starlets coach?
Godfrey Oduor is the interim head coach. He took charge of the team for the Seychelles first leg.
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