Kenya’s Malkia Strikers moved closer to a record-extending 11th Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship title after defeating Cameroon 3-0 in the semi-final at a packed Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday evening. The defending champions secured the straight-sets victory with scores of 25-19, 25-20 and 25-20, booking their place in Friday’s final. Kenya set the pace from the opening serve, combining strong attacks with composed play at the net to keep Cameroon under pressure. The Indomitable Lionesses attempted to mount a comeback in the second and third sets, but Kenya remained composed during crucial rallies and closed out both sets to complete the sweep.
Opposite hitter Terry Tata was central to Kenya’s attacking effort, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 14 points. Tata repeatedly found gaps in Cameroon’s defence with powerful attacks and delivered important points during closely contested rallies as Kenya maintained control of the match. The result keeps Kenya’s title defence on course as the Malkia Strikers seek to retain the continental crown on home soil. Kenya are the record 10-time African champions, with their most recent title coming in 2023. The victory also continues Kenya’s strong record against Cameroon in the competition. The two sides met in the semi-finals of the 2023 championship in Yaoundé, where Kenya won 3-1 before going on to claim the continental title.
Kenya will face Egypt in the final on Friday, September 4, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Egypt booked its place in the championship decider earlier on Thursday after defeating Rwanda 3-0, winning the sets 25-5, 25-17 and 32-30. The Pharaohs dominated the opening two sets before Rwanda mounted a stronger challenge in the third. Egypt eventually prevailed 32-30 to complete the sweep. The final will be a repeat of the 2023 title decider, when Kenya defeated Egypt to win the continental crown. Kenya will now seek to defend its title and claim an 11th African championship, while Egypt will be aiming to turn its 2023 silver medal into gold.