Malkia Strikers in action againstCameroon/ HANDOUT
Kenya’s Malkia Strikers secured a place at the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup after beating Cameroon 3-0 in the semi-finals of the CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday evening.
The defending champions won 25-19, 25-20, 25-20 to reach Friday’s final against Egypt, with both finalists guaranteed World Cup berths.
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Kenya, who are chasing a record-extending 11th continental title, will have another major prize at stake in the final. The African champions will qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The Malkia Strikers were made to work for their straight-sets victory by a Cameroon side that had reached the semi-finals without dropping a set, including a 3-0 quarter-final win over Uganda.
Cameroon matched Kenya for long spells in the opening set before the hosts pulled away to win 25-19.
The visitors continued to press in the second, but Kenya kept their composure to take it 25-20.Cameroon again threatened to prolong the contest in the third set, but Kenya’s blocking and attacking execution proved decisive as they closed out the match 25-20.
Terry Tata led Kenya’s attack from the opposite position, with Elizabeth Sokoiyo strong at the net and Veronica Oluoch adding power from the outside. Setter Immaculate Nekesa controlled the tempo while libero Kataa made crucial defensive interventions.
Coach Geoffrey Omondi said Kenya had prepared specifically for Cameroon’s speed and attacking rhythm.
“We had studied Cameroon for a long time. We knew we needed to increase our speed. We needed to work on the timing of our blocking,” Omondi said.
Kenya had earlier survived a scare against Algeria in the quarter-finals, losing the opening set before recovering to win 3-1.
Egypt, meanwhile, reached the final unbeaten after sweeping Rwanda 3-0 in their semi-final.
Omondi expects another tactical battle against the Pharaohs, whom Kenya defeated in the 2023 African championship final in Yaoundé to win their 10th continental title.
“Tomorrow’s match will be a bit difficult. We need to be technical, but we believe we will beat them,” he said.
The coach also challenged his players to complete the job on home soil.
“This trophy must remain at home. I want us to go to the World Championship to make a mark, at least to the round of 16 or quarter-finals,” Omondi said.
Sokoiyo said consistency had been key to her form, while Tata was pleased with her contribution.
“Consistency is what is helping me more. Egypt should come as they are. The ground will decide,” said Sokoiyo.
Tata added: “I felt so happy. Being the best player yesterday and today has been wholesome. They are good players, but we believe in ourselves.”
Captain Meldina Sande credited the team’s preparation and the home crowd for their victory.
“We trained so hard and knew Cameroon was a good team. We have energy. We thank God for the win and pray for the same tomorrow,” Sande said.
“To the fans, we did not expect this. The morale you gave us is giving us energy.”Cameroon coach admitted Kenya had been the better side.
“Kenya overpowered us. My players made a lot of mistakes,” he said.
