Malkia strikers captain Meldina Sande/ HANDOUTMalkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi wants his side to build on their emphatic opening win over Zambia when they face Mali on Thursday in their final Pool A match at the CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Kenya launched their title defence in style on Tuesday night, sweeping Zambia 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-11) in a match that gave Omondi an opportunity to rotate his squad and get every player into competition mode.
“We are happy we have begun the event with a win despite not having a competitive clash. But we want to build on the win as we plan to play Mali in the remaining match,” said Omondi.
The coach’s priority was to use Wednesday’s rest day to allow the players to recover and prepare for Mali before the competition moves into the knockout phase.
Kenya were in control from the opening serve against Zambia, racing to a 7-1 lead before extending the advantage to 16-8 and closing out the first set 25-14.
The hosts continued their dominance in the second set, opening a 10-1 lead before Omondi introduced fresh legs.
Emmaculate Nekesa, Veronica Adhiambo, captain Meldina Sande, Gladys Ekaru, Marlene Tata and libero Sharon “Shakokhala” Arusei all came on as Kenya stretched their lead to 16-3 and 21-5 before winning 25-9.
Belinda Barasa replaced Marian Sokoiyo in the third set as Kenya remained in control, leading 7-3, 14-5 and 20-10 before completing the sweep.
Omondi said the opportunity to involve the entire squad was important as Kenya prepares for tougher matches ahead.
“We call on the fans to turn up in large numbers to support us since they are the seventh player. We are aware of the magnitude of this event and therefore, we are putting our best foot forward to ensure we carry the day,” he said.
Captain Meldina Sande welcomed the rotation, saying it demonstrated the coach’s confidence in the squad.
“Coach giving every player playtime showed the trust he has in each and every player,” said Sande.
Victory against Mali will seal top spot in the group following Morocco’s absence from the competition.
Kenya have already secured a quarter-final berth, but another dominant performance will give them the best possible seeding heading into the knockout rounds.
Elsewhere, Uganda beat Senegal 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16), while Egypt swept Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-3, 25-15, 25-15). Cameroon defeated Ghana 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-14), DR Congo beat Burundi 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-16), and Rwanda overcame Algeria 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-16).
Tunisia recovered from a set down to beat Nigeria 3-1 (18-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20).
The winner of the tournament will clinch a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
