Kenya are African Champions after stellar performance against Cameroon

Yaounde, Cameroon | Kenya’s U20 women’s volleyball team, the Junior Malkia Strikers, are the new champion of Africa after beating hosts Cameroon in the final of the 2025 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Yaoundé.

Yesterday night was a joy and pride for Kenya as the young queens showed great skill, teamwork, and determination. They won the final 3–1, making history by lifting the continental trophy for the first time ever.

The journey to glory was not easy. Earlier in the tournament, Kenya lost 3–1 to Cameroon in the preliminary round. But instead of giving up, the team came back stronger, working hard to fix their mistakes and improve their game. When they met Cameroon again in the final, they played with courage and confidence, turning the tables on the home team.

President William Ruto congratulated the team after their triumph, praising their unity, talent, and resilience.

Congratulations to Kenya’s Under-20 women’s volleyball team for delivering a spectacular 3–1 victory over hosts Cameroon to claim the African Nations U20 Championship last night in Yaoundé.

From the football pitch to the volleyball court, our athletes are showing the continent… pic.twitter.com/vhqgjYUqdC
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 11, 2025

“From the football pitch to the volleyball court, our athletes are showing the continent what unity, talent, and resilience can achieve,” he said. “Hats off, champions! You’ve made the nation proud and proven once again that Kenya shines brightest when we stand together.”

The Head of State also paid special tribute to Malyne Terry Tata Idachi, who was named both Best Opposite and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the championship, and commended Milka Akinyi, who was voted Best Outside Hitter for her outstanding performances and consistency.

“This emphatic triumph is a testament to resilience, skill, and an unshakable fighting spirit — one that inspires a new generation of volleyball stars across Kenya,” Ruto added.

The victory was built on strong performances from the whole team, guided by head coach Jackline Barasa. Terry was in brilliant form throughout the tournament, also earning multiple Most Valuable Player of the Match honours in preliminary round games against Senegal, Uganda, and Egypt. These standout performances were instrumental in Kenya’s championship run.

The win means Kenya will now make their third appearance at the 2026 FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship. Cameroon, despite their loss in the final, will be making their debut at the global event. They will be joined by Egypt, the eight-time African champions, who claimed bronze by beating Senegal 3–1 in the third-place playoff.

Tunisia, the defending champions who ended Egypt’s long dominance last year, did not travel for this year’s championship. Egypt had previously won the title back-to-back before losing it in 2024.

Coach Barasa lauds team’s composure under pressure

Speaking after the victory, head coach Jackline Barasa reflected on the intense encounter:

The game was tough, but I thank God for the win and the support from the Kenyan government. The morale back home was incredible.

The morale from back home was immense. Cameroon started strong, but eventually, they seemed intimidated by our determination,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy President Paul Bitok expressed gratitude to all stakeholders:

We thank the Ministry of Sports, the clubs, and schools who are key partners. We celebrate the Junior Malkia Strikers for their emphatic victory and qualification for the World Championship. We are immensely proud of you.”

As the players celebrated with the Kenyan flag in Yaoundé, the country celebrated with them back home. From the president of the Republic of Kenya, volleyball fans, to ordinary citizens, pride and joy filled the air. The Junior Malkia Strikers have not only brought home a trophy but also written a new chapter in Kenya’s sports history.

With this victory, the team has also booked a ticket to represent Africa at the 2026 FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship. The world will now see the spirit, skill, and strength of Kenya’s rising stars.

For now, the young champions can enjoy their well-earned glory. They are the new queens of the continent, and Kenya will never forget this golden moment.

Dream Team