Harambee Starlets forward Valarie Nekesa starred with a brace as Kenya launched their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifying campaign with an emphatic 11-0 victory over Seychelles at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Thursday.
Nekesa opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Elizabeth Muteshi doubled Kenya’s advantage in the 25th minute. The forward then struck again shortly before half-time to give the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
The Starlets returned for the second half with renewed attacking intent, adding eight more goals to complete the rout and take a massive step towards the next qualifying round.
Muteshi completed her brace in the 54th minute, while Airin Madalina also scored twice as Kenya continued to exploit gaps in the Seychelles defense. Martha Amunyolete, Mercy Airo, and Elizabeth Mideva were also among the scorers in a dominant display by the Kenyan side.
The result provided a strong start for interim head coach Godfrey “Solo” Oduor as the Starlets seek to secure a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.
Kenya will face Seychelles again in the return leg on Monday, October 12, at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Seychelles are using the Nairobi venue as their home ground because they lack a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The aggregate winner will advance to the next qualifying round, where Malawi or Zimbabwe awaits.
The emphatic victory offers the Starlets renewed confidence after their difficult outing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they exited the group stage without a win or a goal.
With an 11-goal cushion, Kenya will head into the return leg as an overwhelming favorite to progress.
