Malkia Strikers fall to Germany in World Championship opener

Women's national volleyball team Malkia Strikers on Saturday fell to Germany in their opening match of the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Phuket, Thailand.

The Kenyans who are in Group G were overpowered by the Germans succumbing to a straight sets loss.

This was a start they never wished for as it reduced their chances of reaching the round of 16. Kenya must now beat Poland and Vietnam to advance to the knockouts.

Evergreen Veronica Adhiambo led Kenya with 19 points. In what seemed like a promising start, Malkia Strikers seemed to match their opponents pushing for points as they also defended well.

However, the Germans outsmarted them to take the set 25-22. Malkia Strikers were totally outplayed in the second set as they struggled in attack and blocks allowing their opponents to take a 2-0 lead with the score of 25-8.

They tried to recover in the third set but the Germans were too strong taking it 25-20 to register their first win.

Malkia Strikers coach Geoffrey Omondi faces an uphill task as he looks to impress on his first international assignment and maybe secure an extension of his contract.

Kenya will play their second match against Poland on Monday. They will end their group campaign against Vietnam on Wednesday.

In Group F, the Dominican Republic dismissed Colombia 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-13) to enhance their chances of reaching the last 16. A win against China or Mexico will see them qualify for the next round.

It was a bad day in office for African teams as Cameroon lost to Japan in straight sets of 25-21, 25-17 and 25-19 in their Group F opener.

Canada were off to a good start after seeing off Bulgaria 3-1(25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-17 in Group E.