NAIROBI, Kenya — Harambee Starlets will look to secure their place in the next round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers when they face Seychelles in the return leg at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Monday, October 12.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 pm East African Time, with Kenya carrying an 11–0 aggregate advantage following their emphatic first-leg victory on October 8.
The Kenyan women's national team produced a dominant attacking performance in the opening encounter, scoring three goals in the first half before adding eight more after the break.
The result put the Starlets in a strong position heading into the return fixture.
Starlets Seek to Maintain Their Momentum
Several players contributed to Kenya's commanding first-leg victory, including Valarie Nekesa, Elizabeth Muteshi, Airin Madalina, Mercy Airo, Elizabeth Mideva and Martha Amunyolete.
Their performances underlined the team's attacking strength and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Interim head coach Godfrey Oduor will want his players to maintain their concentration despite the substantial advantage.
The technical bench is also expected to use the match to assess players and improve the team's tactical organisation as the qualifying campaign progresses.
Oduor Warns Against Complacency
Despite the comfortable aggregate lead, Kenya will need to approach the return leg with discipline and focus.
The coaching staff will be looking to maintain the team's attacking intensity while addressing weaknesses identified during the first meeting.
The match also offers an opportunity to give additional players valuable competitive experience while ensuring the team remains organised across the pitch.
Seychelles Face Difficult Challenge
Seychelles have a difficult task as they attempt to recover from the 11-goal deficit.
The island nation will need a significantly improved performance to challenge a Kenyan side that dominated the first encounter.
For Seychelles, the return leg offers an opportunity to respond after conceding 11 goals and demonstrate greater defensive resilience.
Winner to Face Malawi or Zimbabwe
The winner on aggregate will advance to the next stage of the African qualifying campaign, where Malawi or Zimbabwe awaits.
For Harambee Starlets, progression would represent another step towards their ambition of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Kenya will be hoping to build on the confidence generated by their first-leg performance and complete the tie with another disciplined display in front of the home supporters.
