Kenya’s Malkia Strikers end World Championship campaign on a high with a straight-sets win over Vietnam

Malkia Strikers closed their World Women’s Volleyball Championship campaign on a high note with a straight-sets win over Vietnam in Phuket, Thailand, securing their second-ever victory at the global showpiece.

The 10-time African champions bounced back from earlier defeats to Poland (3-1) and Germany (3-0) in Group G to post a landmark 25-23, 25-22, 25-18 result.

It was a historic moment for Kenya, whose only previous World Championship win came in 2018 against Kazakhstan in Japan under former coach Japheth Munala.

The opening set was evenly balanced as both teams exchanged points, but Kenya’s attackers eventually pushed through to edge it 25-23. In the second, strong blocking and disciplined defending allowed the East Africans to hold off a late Vietnam surge to claim a 25-22 win.

By the third set, the Malkia Strikers had found their rhythm, combining sharp serves, improved defence, and clinical finishing to dominate 25-18 and seal the victory.

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi praised the performance, describing it as a morale boost for the team and an inspiration for upcoming players.

“This win is important since it brings back confidence in the national team. It motivates the players and shows young girls at home that with proper training, winning is possible,” he said.

Kenya finished third in Group G, while Poland and Germany advanced to the round of 16. The two European sides will now face off for top spot in a bid to avoid reigning Olympic and Nations League champions Italy in the knockout stage.

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