Harambee Starlets forward Violet Nanjala is set to miss the remainder of 2026 after undergoing surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to her left knee.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Hibernians Women attacker sustained the injury during Kenya's 11-0 victory over Seychelles in the second leg of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, scoring before being stretchered off in the second half.The result saw Kenya advance to the next qualifying round with a 22-0 aggregate victory, having also won the first leg by an identical scoreline.Aldrine Kibet back as Kimani names provisional U23 squad for Ivory CoastThe Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed the development in a statement, revealing that the forward had successfully undergone the procedure. Team officials also visited her following the surgery."Wishing Violet Nanjala Wanyonyi a smooth recovery following her successful ACL surgery. The Harambee Starlets forward was visited by team officials after the procedure. We look forward to seeing you back on the pitch, Violet," the federation stated.Nanjala is expected to spend approximately nine months recovering from the injury, with her comeback dependent on her rehabilitation progress.##NAJAVA_MECA_10075968##Her absence is a setback for interim coach Godfrey 'Solo' Oduor as Kenya prepares for a tough test against Malawi in the third round of the Olympic qualifiers, with the two-legged encounter scheduled for 23 February to 6 March 2027.The former Vihiga Queens forward could also face a race against time to regain fitness ahead of the subsequent qualifying rounds, with the fourth round scheduled for 4 and 12 October 2027, and the final round set for 23 November and 4 December.Kenya will be seeking one of Africa's two available slots at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the qualification campaign progresses.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Elvis Rupia’s diagonal run decided the disciplined forces derby
47