Abuja Nigeria, April 8, 2025 – Kenya Prisons Queens have booked a quarter-final spot at the 2025 CAVB African Women’s Club Championship in Abuja after edging Rwanda National Police in an electrifying five-set thriller. The hard-fought 3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-10) victory sets up a tantalizing clash with Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the next round.
The opening set saw Prisons recover from a shaky start. Trailing early, they rallied to lead 18-12, forcing a Rwandan timeout. Rwanda fought back late in the set, leading to a timeout from Coach Barasa at 23-20, but Prisons held firm to take it 25-23.
Rwanda responded with grit in the second set. Kenyan International Meldina Sande, starring for Rwanda National Police, took charge and powered her team to a 21-18 lead. They capitalized on the momentum and took the set 25-19 to level the match.
The third set went Prisons’ way, with the Kenyan side executing smart plays and maintaining control to secure it 25-20. However, the fourth set swung back to Rwanda. Sande once again sparked her team to a 17-12 lead. Prisons fought back and even led 22-18, but Rwanda rallied with an impressive finish to take the set 25-21 and force a decider.
In the fifth and final set, Prisons took an early lead, going into the side switch at 8-5. The Rwandan coach called for a timeout at 10-6, but the prisons remained composed. With strong serves and solid blocking, they wrapped up the set 15-10 and sealed their spot in the last eight.
Coach Josp Barasa’s Reaction:
“That was a very tough round of 16 match. Rwanda National Police pushed us to the limit, and it tested our mental strength and composure. I’m proud of how the ladies responded under pressure, especially in the decisive fifth set, which we managed to win 15-10. It’s these tough battles that shape championship teams. Now, all our focus shifts to preparing for the quarter-final against Al Ahly a top side we respect, but we’re ready to fight.”Josp Barasa, Head Coach, Kenya Prisons Queens.
