Celebrations for Malkia Strikers as they exit global tournament

Kenya’s Malkia Strikers during 2025 FIVB World Championship campaign.[Courtesy FIVB]

Kenya’s Malkia Strikers on Wednesday ended their 2025 FIVB World Championship campaign in style thrashing Vietnam in straight sets in their Group G at the Saphan Hin 4000 Seat Municipal Stadium in Phuket, Thailand.

Veronica Adhiambo maintained her brilliant performance leading Kenya with 19 points.

The outside hitter is among the most seasoned players in the squad that features a blend of experienced and novices.

Fresh from leading the Under-20 team Junior Malkia Strikers to the African title, youngster Terry Tata gave a good account of herself with 12 points while middle blocker Belinda Barasa who was also solid against Poland had 13.

So determined to win were the Kenyans that they got the job done in just an hour and 12 minutes.

Kenya Pipeline setter Emmaculate Nekesa was in full control ensuring that she created opportunities for Malkia Strikers to attack the Vietnamese who were also chasing their only win of the championship.

Coach Geofrey Omondi got it right starting Adhiambo, Barasa, Tata, Nekesa, captain Meldina Sande and vice-captain Glady’s Ekaru. They did not disappoint as they settled well in the match not allowing their opponents who had overpowered them in friendly matches take charge.

They remained in control of the game to take the first set 25-23 even as the Vietnamese put up a spirited fight to contain them.

Just like the first, the second set was a seesaw affair as the two sides alternated in scoring points.

However, it was the Kenyans who outsmarted their challengers to take a 2-0 with a 25-22 second set score. With victory within reach, Malkia Strikers didn’t allow Vietnam to recover snatching the third set 25-18 to carry the day.

The win saw Kenya finish third in Group G while winless Vietnam finished at the bottom with no point. Germany and Poland advanced to the round of 16 in the pool.

It was the end of all African representatives as Cameroon and Egypt also exited the competition after failing to excel in their respective groups.

Egypt lost all their Group A matches to finish at the bottom of the pool that also has Netherlands, hosts Thailand and Sweden.

The Egyptians lost to the Dutch in straight sets but bagged a set each from their encounters with the Thai and the Swedes.  Netherlands and Thailand qualified for the knockouts after finishing first and second in the pool tied on seven points.  

Just like compatriots Kenya and Egypt, Cameroon were also outplayed and bundled out of the race by their opponents.

They failed to secure one of the two slots to the round of 16 after losing to Japan and Serbia in their first and second Group F matches.