Harambee Starlets Thrash Seychelles 11–0 in Olympic Qualifying Opener

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Harambee Starlets launched their campaign for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games with an emphatic 11–0 victory over Seychelles in the opening leg of the CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Thursday, October 8.

The dominant performance gave the Kenyan side a commanding advantage in the first-round tie, with the team displaying attacking confidence and sustained pressure throughout the encounter.

Valerie Nekesa opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Elizabeth Muteshi doubled Kenya’s lead in the 25th minute. Nekesa struck again in the 43rd minute to give the hosts a three-goal advantage at half-time.

Kenya maintained its momentum after the break, with Muteshi completing her brace as the Starlets continued to exploit gaps in the Seychelles defence. Airin Madalina also scored twice, while Martha Amunyolet, Mary Airo, Elizabeth Mideva and Mercy Airo contributed to the impressive scoreline.

The Starlets eventually reached double figures before adding an eleventh goal to complete one of their most emphatic qualifying performances.

The result puts Kenya in a strong position ahead of the return fixture, although the team will need to maintain its focus to progress through the qualifying rounds.

The Olympic qualifiers offer the Starlets an opportunity to build on the growth of women’s football in Kenya and compete for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

With the opening victory secured, attention now turns to the second leg, where Kenya will seek to complete the tie and move closer to the next stage of qualification.