- Kenya’s U20 women’s volleyball team, the Junior Malkia Strikers, are the new African Nations Volleyball champions.
- They defeated host Cameroon 3-1 (26-24, 19-25, 28-26, 25-16) at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex on Monday, August 11.
- With the victory, they also qualified for next year’s World Championship.
Kenya’s U20 women’s volleyball team, the Junior Malkia Strikers, secured their first-ever Women’s U20 African Volleyball Championship after defeating Cameroon in the finals held at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex on Monday, August 11.
Under the guidance of coach Jackline Barasa, the squad defied expectations, overpowering the dominant Cameroonian side 3-1 (26-24, 19-25, 28-26, 25-16) and securing a coveted spot in the 2026 FIVB World Championship, their first appearance since 2008.
The Junior Malkia Strikers came into the fixture riding high after cruising past Burundi in straight sets (25-8, 25-17, 25-13) to qualify for the semifinals.
There, they faced eight-time champions Egypt and delivered a commanding upset, sweeping them 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-23) to advance to the final.
How Junior Malkia Strikers outplayed Cameroon
In front of a Cameroonian home crowd, the opening set was fiercely competitive, with both teams exchanging leads frequently.
The scores remained neck and neck, but Kenya’s composure and solid blocking at crucial moments helped them edge out Cameroon 26-24.
Cameroon rallied in the second set, capitalizing on Kenyan errors, particularly in blocking. Backed by their passionate fans, the hosts leveled the match by clinching the set 25-19.
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The third set was a thrilling battle, with Cameroon appearing poised to take control.
However, Kenya showed remarkable resilience, saving set points and eventually prevailing 28-26 in a nail-biting finish.
The fourth and decisive set was dominant from the Kenyan side, who stormed to a 10-0 lead thanks to their precise serves and impenetrable blocks.
Although Cameroon tried to claw back, the gap proved insurmountable. Kenya sealed the set 25-16 and with it, a historic 3-1 triumph.
Coach Barasa lauds team’s composure under pressure
Speaking after the victory, head coach Jackline Barasa reflected on the intense encounter:
The game was tough, but I thank God for the win and the support from the Kenyan government. The morale back home was incredible.
The morale from back home was immense. Cameroon started strong, but eventually, they seemed intimidated by our determination,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy President Paul Bitok expressed gratitude to all stakeholders:
We thank the Ministry of Sports, the clubs, and schools who are key partners. We celebrate the Junior Malkia Strikers for their emphatic victory and qualification for the World Championship. We are immensely proud of you.”
The team is now set to return home and begin preparations for the 2026 FIVB World Championship, where they will represent Africa alongside Cameroon and Egypt.
