Harambee Starlets' striker Jentrix SHikangwa against a Seychelles opponent/ HANDOUTInterim Harambee Starlets coach Godfrey “Solo” Oduor says his immediate priority is identifying the right player combinations and preparing Kenya for tougher opposition after his side swept Seychelles 22-0 on aggregate to advance to the third round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers.
The Starlets completed the demolition with a second successive 11-0 victory in Monday’s return leg at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, but Oduor knows the real test of his team’s progress lies ahead, with either Malawi or Zimbabwe awaiting them in the next phase scheduled for February and March 2027.
Rather than dwell on the emphatic scoreline, Oduor is keen to use the two-legged tie to assess his squad’s depth and determine which players can deliver the performances required against more competitive opponents.
“We will watch our next opponents then start our preparations. We have a good pool of players so we are trying to see who can give us what we want,” Oduor said.
The coach made wholesale changes to his starting line-up for Monday’s encounter, having already secured an 11-0 victory in the first leg. The decision offered him an opportunity to experiment with different combinations, with both selections producing identical results.
The performances provided Oduor with encouraging evidence of the attacking options available.
He was particularly pleased with his players’ confidence, initiative and willingness to attempt shots from distance, qualities he hopes they can maintain when the opposition becomes more difficult to break down.
“We just give them strength and confidence so they can express themselves properly on the pitch and I am happy with what they are doing. Scoring from outside the 18-yard area shows that if we get a tough opponent, we will give them a hard time,” he added.
Jentrix Shikangwa led the scoring with a hat-trick, while captain Mwanalima “Dogo” Adam and Marion Serenge struck twice each. Sylvia Makungu, Violet Nanjala, Vivian Nasaka and Fasila Adhiambo also found the net.
Makungu’s contribution was particularly notable, with the forward scoring on her first start for the senior national team. She reacted quickest in the seventh minute after Seychelles goalkeeper Tinisha Sharmaine parried Nanjala’s effort.
Kenya enjoyed considerable freedom in attack, but the coach and his technical bench must now identify how best to approach matches in which chances are harder to create and mistakes are more likely to be punished.
The ability to convert opportunities efficiently, maintain defensive organisation and manage transitions will be central to Kenya’s preparations as they move deeper into the Olympic qualifying campaign.
