Malkia Strikers out of women’s volleyball world championship after Poland loss
Poland, the world's third-ranked side, took the first set 25-17, before Kenya responded strongly, winning the second set 25-15. However, Poland regained control, taking the third set 25-15 and the fourth 25-14 to seal the victory.
Kenya's women's volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers, have been eliminated from the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in Phuket, Thailand after losing 3-1 to Poland on Monday.
The team lost their opening match against Germany on August 23, falling 3-0 in straight sets, which meant that they needed a win against Poland to keep their round-of-16 hopes alive.
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Poland, the world's third-ranked side, took the first set 25-17, before Kenya responded strongly, winning the second set 25-15. However, Poland regained control, taking the third set 25-15 and the fourth 25-14 to seal the victory.
The defeat means that even a win against pool debutants Vietnam on Wednesday at 1:00 pm will not be enough for Kenya to qualify for the round of 16.
Kenya was drawn in Group G alongside Poland, Germany, and Vietnam. Both Poland and Germany have six points after two matches and will face each other on Wednesday to decide the group winner.
Meanwhile, Kenya and Vietnam, both on zero points, will play to determine who finishes third in the group.
"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," head coach Geoffrey Omondi said after the match.
Omondi added that Kenya will need to raise their game to secure a win against Vietnam, ranked 22nd globally, noting that the team plays at a very high tempo, requiring the Malkia Stars to match their speed and intensity.
"At least we have tomorrow to rest and recover ahead of the Vietnam match. 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," he said.
"We lost to them in the international friendlies, but we look forward to returning the favour."
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