Malkia Strikers demolish Cameroon to scent 11th African crown

Kenya’s Malkia Strikers inched closer to a record-extending 11th Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship title after sweeping rivals Cameroon in straight sets at a packed Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday evening.

The flawless performance by Geoffrey Omondi’s squad saw them snuff out Cameroon’s early comeback attempts to cruise to a dominant 25-19, 25-20, 25-20 victory.

The triumph mirrored their 2023 semi-final clash in Yaoundé, where Kenya overcame the Indomitable Lionesses 3-1 sets en route to securing their historic tenth continental crown.

The win saw Malkia Strikers set up a high-stakes final clash against familiar foes Egypt, who dispatched Rwanda 3-0 in the earlier semi-final to book their second consecutive showdown against Kenya.

In the Friday final set for 6PM, Kenya will rely on vocal home support at Kasarani as they aim to repeat their 2023 3-0 sets victory over the North Africans and defend their throne.

Against Cameroon, Malkia Strikers controlled the tempo from the opening serve with relentless attacks and composed net play.

Despite Cameroon attempting to fight back in the second and third sets, Kenya maintained their discipline during critical rallies to lock down a decisive victory.

‎‎Opposite hitter Terry Tata put on a masterclass to lead the Malkia Strikers, emerging as the top scorer of the day with an impressive 14 points.

Tata was lethal at the net, repeatedly puncturing Cameroon’s block with heavy spikes and delivering clutch points during high-pressure rallies to keep the electrified Kasarani crowd on its feet.

‎‎​Kenya will now face North African powerhouse Egypt in what promises to be an explosive championship final.

‎‎Earlier in the day, Egypt secured their spot after defeating a spirited Rwanda side 3–0 (25-5, 25-17, 32-30) in the first semi-final.

‎​‎​The Pharaohs opened their semi-final in ruthless fashion, powered by middle blocker M. Ghazal. Capitalizing on a flawless hundred-percent reception efficiency compared to Rwanda’s 30%, Egypt raced to an astonishing 25–5 opening set win.

‎‎After taking the second set 25–17, Egypt were pushed to the absolute limit in a dramatic 32–30 third set before finally sealing the sweep.

‎‎​All eyes now turn to Kasarani for the ultimate gold-medal battle, as Kenya looks to leverage home advantage and defend their continental crown against Egypt while on the hand, Egypt aims to turn 2023 silver medal to gold with an Olympic 2028 ticket up for grabs.