Malkia Strikers go down fighting against Poland, eye redemption in Vietnam clash
Malkia Strikers players in action against Poland during their FIVB World Championship Group G clash at the Saphan Hin Stadium in Phuket, Thailand, on August 25, 2025. Photo courtesy of SJAK.
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The result means Kenya has lost both of their opening games, following Saturday’s straight-sets defeat to Germany (22-25, 8-25, 20-25). With Poland and Germany already securing progression to the second round, Malkia will now play for pride when they face pool debutants Vietnam in their final group fixture on Wednesday at 1:00 pm EAT.
Despite the defeat to Poland, the Malkia Strikers showed significant improvement compared to their opening match. Winning a set against the world’s third-ranked side offered a glimpse of the team’s resilience.
Head coach Geoffrey Omondi admitted he was left with mixed emotions, adding that Malkia's final clash will be an opportunity to redeem themselves.
“Bagging a set from the third-ranked country is indeed something, but I would have wanted a better result. I really wanted to win the fourth set and force a fifth, but unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way,” said Omondi.
“At least we have tomorrow to rest and recover ahead of the Vietnam match.”
Looking ahead, Omondi highlighted the need for sharper execution.
“Vietnam plays a fast game, and so we need to be at our best should we want to win. There has been great improvement from the team—individual brilliance, teamwork, and coordination. We lost to them in the international friendlies, but we look forward to returning the favour,” he added.
On the opposite bench, Poland coach Stefano Lavarini praised Kenya’s challenge despite sweeping three sets.
“Kenya was not a pushover, and that’s exactly what we experienced today. They are a physical side that can pull a surprise,” he said after the match.
Elsewhere, Africa’s other representatives continue to struggle in their fixtures. Cameroon fell in straight sets to both Serbia (16-25, 17-25, 12-25) and Japan (21-25, 17-25, 19-25), while Egypt managed to take a set off Thailand but eventually lost 1-3 (15-25, 25-23, 15-25, 11-25). The North Africans also suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat to the Netherlands (15-25, 13-25, 13-25).
For Malkia Strikers, Wednesday’s duel with 22nd-ranked Vietnam—also winless so far—presents an opportunity to finish their campaign on a high and salvage pride from a tough outing in Phuket.
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