Malkia Strikers Roar Back to Beat Algeria, Set Up Cameroon Semifinal Clash

Kenya’s Malkia Strikers produced a spirited comeback to defeat Algeria 3-1 and book their place in the semifinals of the Women’s African Volleyball Championship, setting up a mouthwatering clash against title contenders Cameroon.

After dropping the opening set, Kenya responded emphatically, dominating the second set 25-7 before taking the third 25-15 and the fourth 25-18 to complete a convincing comeback victory.

The result keeps Kenya’s title ambitions firmly on track and sets up a highly anticipated semifinal against the Lionesses of Cameroon, who booked their place in the last four with a commanding 3-0 victory over Uganda (25-18, 25-20, 25-18).

Although Kenya entered the quarterfinal as strong favourites, the encounter was always expected to be a demanding test. The two sides were meeting again in Nairobi a decade after Kenya defeated Algeria in straight sets in the 2015 final.

The Algerians, however, made a bold statement from the opening serve, taking the first set and putting Kenya under early pressure.

The Malkia Strikers responded with character and composure, completely turning the match around with a dominant second set before maintaining their momentum to close out the four-set thriller.

Their reward is another high-stakes meeting with former African champions Cameroon, with a place in the continental final now at stake.

Egypt, Rwanda Complete the Semifinal Line-up

In the other semifinal, Egypt will face an ever-improving Rwanda after both sides secured impressive quarterfinal victories.

Egypt eliminated fellow North Africans Tunisia with a convincing 3-0 victory (25-20, 25-14, 25-9).

The Egyptians controlled the contest from the start, winning the opening set 25-20 before cruising through the second 25-14. They then produced a dominant display in the third set, winning 25-9 to complete a straight-set victory.

Egypt had earlier topped Pool B with a perfect record, defeating Uganda, Senegal and Burkina Faso. They maintained their winning run in the Round of 16 with a 3-0 victory over Burundi before dispatching Tunisia by the same margin in the quarterfinals.

Rwanda, meanwhile, continued their impressive run with a 3-1 victory over Ghana, winning 25-17, 24-26, 25-19, 25-18.

The result completes an exciting semifinal line-up, with Kenya facing Cameroon and Egypt taking on Rwanda as the battle for African volleyball supremacy enters its decisive stage.

Semifinal Pairings

Kenya  vs Cameroon 
Egypt  vs Rwanda