Harambee Starlets are set for a tougher examination in their quest for a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after Malawi booked a meeting with Kenya in the next round of the CAF Women’s Olympic football qualifiers.
The development follows Malawi’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the second leg of their qualifying tie-on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, completing a commanding 9-0 aggregate triumph.
The result was powered by a remarkable performance from sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, who were instrumental in Malawi’s attacking display.
Malawi’s progression sets up an intriguing encounter against Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, who have also demonstrated impressive attacking strength in their Olympic qualifying campaign.
The Kenyan side secured their progression after dismantling Seychelles 22-0 on aggregate, winning both legs 11-0 at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The return-leg victory on Monday, October 12, underlined the team’s scoring ability and provided interim head coach Godfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor with an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of more demanding fixtures.
The Starlets maintained their dominance throughout the two-legged contest, with the technical bench also using the matches to evaluate squad depth and build momentum for the subsequent rounds.
However, Malawi presents a different challenge. The Scorchers reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), demonstrating their ability to compete against some of the continent’s leading sides.
Their convincing performance against Zimbabwe further highlights the threat they could pose to Kenya’s Olympic ambitions.
Starlets captain Mwanalima Adam has expressed confidence in her team’s readiness to face stronger opposition, stressing that Kenya remains focused on the bigger objective of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Speaking after the victory over Seychelles, Mwanalima acknowledged that the next opponents would offer a more competitive test.
In this regard, the upcoming encounter will therefore provide a significant measure of Kenya’s progress under Oduor, particularly in defence, midfield organisation, and the ability to convert scoring opportunities against a more experienced opponent.
With the third round scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, the Starlets have time to sharpen their combinations and prepare tactically for Malawi.
Kenya’s 22-goal aggregate victory has provided an encouraging start, but the road to Los Angeles is becoming more challenging.
Against a Malawi side fresh from a nine-goal aggregate triumph, the Starlets will need more than attacking firepower to keep their Olympic dream alive.
By John Brighton
