Kenya’s national women’s Under-20 volleyball team etched their name into history on Monday, August 11, 2025, after defeating hosts Cameroon 3–1 to claim their first-ever African Championship crown in Yaoundé.
It was a final played under the deafening roar of home fans at the Yaoundé Sports Complex, but coach Jackline Barasa’s side kept their composure. The junior Malkia Strikers snatched a nail-biting opening set 26–24, silencing the crowd.
Cameroon, buoyed by the “12th man” in the stands, roared back to take the second set 25–19, drawing level and reigniting home hopes. But Kenya refused to be rattled. In a tense third set, Barasa’s charges edged their opponents 28–26 before stamping their authority in the fourth with a commanding 25–16 finish.
The win avenged their 3–1 loss to Cameroon in the group stages and secured them a place at the World Championships in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Barasa admitted the hosts seemed unsettled under the bright lights of the final. “We played well, but our opponents looked scared of us. Despite beating us in the preliminaries, we controlled the game and won our maiden title with minimal difficulties,” she said.
The road to the final saw Kenya sweep Egypt 3–0 in the semifinals, while Cameroon eased past Senegal by the same margin. In the bronze medal match, Egypt overpowered Senegal 25–12, 25–05, 25–19.
Kenya Volleyball Federation Deputy President Paul Bitok, a former coach of the senior Malkia Strikers, praised the juniors for their breakthrough. “I would like to congratulate the U20 Junior Malkia Strikers for making history. They defeated Cameroon 3–1 to become African champions, just like their senior sisters who claimed their 10th title last year. We are proud of our junior team for winning their first African title and qualifying for the World Championship,” he said.
The tournament also crowned Malyne “Terry” Tata Idachi as the Most Valuable Player, recognising her outstanding performance throughout the championship.
