Kenya’s Malkia Strikers will meet Mali on Thursday as they seek to build on their emphatic start to the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
The defending champions opened their title defence on Tuesday night with a convincing 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-11) victory over Zambia in Pool A, but will face a potentially tougher test against Mali.
Kenya will have a rest day on Wednesday before returning to action on Thursday, with coach Geoffrey Omondi calling on fans to turn up in large numbers and provide the home advantage. The championship was officially opened by Principal Secretary for the State Department of Sports Elijah Mwangi.
Omondi used the Zambia match to give all his players valuable court time, with Marian Sokoiyo and Lorine Chebet starting in the middle, Esther Mutinda as setter, Daisy Leting and Milka Akinyi as outside hitters, Mercy Iminza as opposite and Josephine Kataa as libero.
Kenya raced to a 7-1 lead in the opening set and never looked back, capitalising on Zambia’s poor serves and weak attacks to lead 16-8 before winning 25-14.
The 10-time Africa champions continued their dominance in the second set, opening a 10-1 advantage before Omondi introduced fresh players, including setter Emmaculate Nekesa, Veronica Adhiambo, captain Meldina Sande, Gladys Ekaru, Marlene Tata and libero Sharon “Shakokhala” Arusei. Kenya surged to 21-5 before closing out 25-9.
Belinda Barasa replaced Sokoiyo in the third set as Kenya maintained their onslaught, opening leads of 7-3, 14-5 and 20-10 before sealing the match 25-11.
“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,” assessed Omondi.
He urged fans to fill the arena, saying: “We are aware of the magnitude of this event and therefore, we are putting our best foot forward to ensure we carry the day.”
Sande echoed Omondi’s call, saying the team had prepared well and came into the championship determined to win.
“I would like to reiterate my call to fans to come and fill the arena in our support. We appreciate the fans that showed up today and gave us morale in every moment of the game,” she said.
Zambia coach Arnold Simulezi noted that her players had learnt valuable lessons from facing the hosts and reigning champions, particularly in reception and blocking, areas they hope to improve before their next Pool A match against Mali.
