Malkia Strikers Close In On Olympics Ticket After Epic Comeback Against Cameroon
24th August 2023
The team will be looking to clinch the title they last won in 2015 as they seek a record-extending 10th crown.
- The win lifted Kenya to position 22 on the FIVB rankings which leaves them as the top-ranked country in the continent.
- Malkia will now face off against Egypt in the final slated for Thursday.
- The final will serve-off at 8:00 PM Kenyan time.
The women’s national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, are one win away from safely booking their spot in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after their comeback 3-1(25-27, 25-14, 25-11, 25-18) victory over hosts Cameroon in the semifinal stage of the CAVB African Nations Championship.
The Luizomar de Moura-coached side left the home crowd stunned after eliminating the hosts who posed the biggest threat to their Olympic qualification chances.
Playing in a fully packed Palais Polyvalent des Sports arena, Kenya showed admirable resolve as they overcame losing the first set on their way to booking a spot in the championship decider.
The win lifted Kenya to position 22 on the FIVB rankings with 155.86 points which leaves the national side as the top-ranked country in the continent.
As a result, they are therefore on course to represent Africa at the Paris Olympics in line with the universality principle that demands every continent be represented at next year’s Summer Games.
Cameroon, who have dropped to the 3/4th place playoff where they face Rwanda, are now ranked 28th with 133.23 points.
In the top of the table clash, Sharon 'Chumba' Chepchumba led with 26 points as middle blockers Edith Wisa and Trizah Atuka added 15 and 14 points respectively, ending all Cameroonian hopes of clinching top spot which was the main point of contention in the semifinal match against the defending champions.
“We knew that this is the only FIVB competition in Africa that could qualify us for the Olympics so this was the focus, and I am happy we have achieved that.
Any other African team looking to go higher than us in ranking to qualify will have to compete outside the continent," assistant coach Paul Bitok said after the match.
Malkia will now face off against Egypt in the final slated for Thursday after the North Africans beat Rwanda in straight sets in the other semi.
The Egyptians are in position 34 on 111.18 points and need nothing short of a miracle to knock Kenya off top spot.
For Egypt, this final presents an opportunity to reclaim past glory. The Pharaohs have a rich history in African volleyball and are chasing their fourth continental title. Their last triumph dates to 2003, and they are eager to add another trophy to their collection.
On the other hand, Malkia Strikers have been crowned champions an astonishing nine times, a record that speaks to their dominance. However, they have their sights set on a historic milestone—La Decima.
The final will serve-off at 8:00 PM Kenyan time, following the conclusion of the third-place playoff match between hosts Cameroon and Rwanda at 6:00 PM.