Malkia Strikers faithful and Kenyans at large issued mixed reactions following Kenya's defeat to Egypt in the 2026 CAVB Women's African Nations Championship final.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe two African giants locked horns on Friday, 4 September, in a high-octane match staged at the Kasarani Indoor Arena with the North Africans sweeping past Kenya with a comprehensive 3-0 win courtesy of 25-22, 25-15 and 25-15 set scores.In effect, Malkia Strikers who were the defending champions lost the title on home soil to Egypt and, most importantly, missed an automatic qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.Sokoiyo, Tata among individual award winners at African Nations Volleyball championshipHowever, Kenya's performance in the continental championship was decent enough to guarantee a place at the 2027 FIVB Women's Volleyball World Cup that will be held in the USA and Canada.A sombre mood engulfed Kasarani Indoor Arena, which was packed beyond capacity as fans shared their takeaways with Mozzart Sport on Malkia Strikers’ overall performance in the championship.“Malkia Strikers gave their best but in the end lost to a formidable and better opponent. If you take a keen look at Egypt's preparations over recent years, you will appreciate that they deserved to win the title.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936760##They have played high-profile friendlies against the likes of Brazil and Japan, while I cannot remember anytime Malkia played a high-profile friendly match to test themselves against the best in the globe.The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) and the government at large must work round the clock, do their best in helping the team to improve their skills, including organizing such friendlies,” said Allan Kimutai.Volleyball enthusiast and Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) fan June Chelangat could not help but feel proud of Malkia Strikers.Heartbreak as Malkia Strikers fall to Egypt to surrender African crown, miss direct ticket to LA Games“I am really proud of this team despite falling just before crossing over the last hurdle. As a keen follower of the team, I honestly did not have many expectations, as I did not feel they were good enough as compared to the 2023 squad.However, they kept on convincing me and improving with each passing game and eventually to the finals.I really hoped the momentum and fan support would push them to the title, but that was not meant to be. However, with the majority of the players still young, I am glad and hopeful for better days ahead,” she remarked.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936871##For Patrick Kedaha, Malkia Strikers were not just good enough in the tournament but benefitted from home advantage.“I watched Kenya throughout the tournament and my honest feeling is that we were just lucky to reach the finals, of course the fans playing a crucial role in achieving that.The team lacked in key areas. We had poor reception, which made it difficult to launch attacks. Save for Sokoiyo (Marian), our blocks were really leaking and were very vulnerable at the back court.Malkia Strikers coach bullish ahead of African Nations final against EgyptCoach Geoffrey Omondi must retreat and do more work in improving the team before the World Cup lest we become the laughing stock in the global stage,” said Kedaha.On his part, Solomon Kimani attributed the loss to the glaring inexperience in the team.“While many questions might be raised about the quality of the team, I personally believe it was good enough to win the title. We largely lacked experience.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936888##In tough matches with small margins, you need your experienced players to step up and offer leadership and calmness even when momentum is not on your side.Apart from Sande (Meldinah) who was hardly used and maybe Veronica (Oluoch), the rest of the squad was inexperienced to handle pressure. We placed all our hopes on Tata (Terry), whom we forget that despite her unquestionable quality, is still a teenager.Positively though, now that we already tested the young team on continental level, we must maintain the squad and offer them more friendly matches before the World Cup,” remarked Kimani.Omondi reveals tactical change that earned Malkia Strikers hard-fought win over AlgeriaAccording to Emma Achieng, Malkia Strikers outdid themselves, producing outstanding performances with insufficient government support.“Volleyball in this country receives little support, yet we consistently qualify to continental championships and even the World Cup.As late as on the day of the final, we were still getting news of unpaid allowances, which is very unfortunate. If we could just get half the support sports like football get, I believe we would be a World powerhouse.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9936891##As for Anthony Okeyo, he was happy to experience the beauty of volleyball as a new fan, vowing to follow the game more.“I honestly started following the team from the quarter-finals due to the hype and unavailability of football matches.However, I have enjoyed every bit of Malkia Strikers, and I believe they have now earned a new enthusiast,” he promised.
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