Kenya’s Malkia Strikers stormed into the final of the CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in emphatic fashion on Thursday, September 3, blanking Cameroon 3-0 before a capacity crowd at the 5,000-seater Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Inspired by powerful attacks from Terry Tata of KCB Women Volleyball Club and China-bound Veronica Aluoch Adhiambo, the reigning champions controlled the semi-final from the opening serve, winning 25-19, 25-20, 25-20, although the West Africa threatened to turn tables in the second set when they came from 7-3 down to level 7-7 and again at 14-14.
The victory was also anchored by the creativity of setter Emmaculate Nekesa, who was named the best setter at the 2023 African championship.
Kenya’s victory set up a mouth-watering final against Egypt on Saturday, September 5, with both sides now one win away from being crowned continental champions.
Egypt also produced a commanding display, sweeping Rwanda 3-0 (25-5, 25-17, 32-30) in the second semifinal to book their place in the title decider.
The North Africans dominated the opening two sets before Rwanda mounted a spirited challenge in the third. Egypt, however, held their nerve to win the marathon set 32-30 and complete the straight-set victory.
The two semi-final clashes were watched by FIVB president and CAVB president Bouchra Hajij, underlining the importance of the championship on the continental and international stage.
Kenya reached the semi-finals after overcoming Algeria 3-1 in the quarter-finals, recovering from losing the opening set to advance, while Egypt humbled Tunisia 3-0.
The finalists have already secured their places at the 2027 World Cup by virtue of reaching the championship decider. However, Saturday’s final carries an even bigger prize, with the African champions earning qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The final will be preceded by the bronze-medal match between Rwanda and Cameroon at 4pm, with Kenya and Egypt scheduled to battle for the continental crown at 6pm.
The championship began with 15 nations, among them Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were guided by Kenyan coaches Paul Gitau and Protus Barasa, respectively.
Ten-time Africa champions Kenya will now seek to retain the title on home soil, while Egypt will be determined to dethrone the defending champions and complete a memorable campaign with continental gold and an Olympic ticket.
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