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Malkia face Algeria test
Sokoiyo stars as Kenya chase title and Olympic ticket
Defending champions Malkia Strikers will face former African champions Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAVB Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship after extending their perfect run with a straight-sets victory over Nigeria at Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Kenya booked their place in the last eight on Saturday night after beating Nigeria 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-15), maintaining an unbeaten record that has also seen Geoffrey Omondi's side overcome Zambia and Mali without dropping a set.
Middle blocker Marian Sokoiyo was the standout performer, scoring a match-high 18 points as Kenya gradually took control after a competitive opening set.
Sokoiyo, who plays for Kenya Pipeline, delivered at both ends of the court, combining quick attacks with solid blocking and effective serving to give the hosts a strong presence at the net.
Her performance marked another significant step in her rise within the national team after she was left out of Kenya's final squad for last year's FIVB World Championship in Thailand.
The setback appears to have strengthened her resolve, with Sokoiyo enjoying an impressive domestic and continental season that has seen her win the African Clubs Championship Best Middle Blocker award and contribute to Pipeline's success in the national league.
Against Nigeria, she was handed a starting role alongside Belinda Barasa, with Omondi opting to rotate his squad and leave some experienced players, including assistant captain Gladys Ekaru and Lorine Chebet, out of the starting line-up.
Omondi, however, maintained that no player's place in his team is guaranteed, insisting his selections will continue to depend on the opposition and tactical demands of each match.
“Starting line-up will always change. Even if we have another match after this, definitely the squad that has won against Nigeria will not be the same team that will play that match. We are guided by different factors when choosing a starting line-up,” said Omondi.
Despite the convincing scoreline, the Kenya coach identified areas that require improvement before the quarter-final clash against Algeria.
“We have to plan for Algeria. Our services and reception were also wanting but we hope to make amends before the next match,” said Omondi.
Kenya had to work hard to contain Nigeria during the opening set before establishing greater control in the second and third sets. Their attacking options and improved work at the net eventually proved too strong for the West Africans.
However, Omondi will be aware that Algeria could provide a more demanding examination after the North Africans also reached the quarter-finals with a dominant 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-16) victory over Senegal.
The quarter-final will therefore represent Kenya's biggest test yet, particularly with Omondi seeking improvements in service, reception and blocking as the championship enters its decisive stage.
The Malkia Strikers remain on course for an 11th continental title and a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with the Nairobi championship carrying added significance for the participating teams.
“The knockout stage is different and we cannot afford to relax,” Omondi had warned after Kenya completed their group-stage campaign.
Victory over Algeria would move Kenya into the semi-finals, where a potential blockbuster meeting with Cameroon could await should the Central Africans overcome Uganda in their quarter-final.
Uganda reached the last eight after beating DR Congo 3-0 (25-16, 27-25, 25-18), while Cameroon progressed directly to the quarter-finals following their unbeaten group-stage campaign.
Elsewhere, Rwanda were set to face Burkina Faso, Zambia meet Ghana, Egypt take on Burundi and Tunisia play Mali as the remaining teams battle for quarter-final places.
For Kenya, however, the immediate focus is firmly on Algeria. Sokoiyo's emergence has provided Omondi with another potent option at the net, while the coach's willingness to rotate his squad has given the hosts depth heading into the business end of the championship.
But with stronger opposition and increasing pressure awaiting, Kenya will need to address the reception and service concerns highlighted by their coach if they are to turn their perfect start into another continental crown on home soil.
