National men's volleyball team, Wafalme Stars, have been relegated to the classification matches at the ongoing 2026 Men's CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship after falling to reigning silver medalists Algeria in a pre-quarters match played on Sunday, 20, September.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Gideon Tarus-led side headed into the clash off identical 3-0 losses to hosts Tunisia (25-15, 25-23, 25-16) and Ghana (25-20, 25-23, 25-20) in Group A, and needing victory to keep their World Championship qualification chances alive, but, despite a spirited fight, they fell 3-1.Defeat to the North African powerhouse leaves Wafalme, who had hoped to finish on the podium and make history by qualifying for the global competition, looking to fight for ninth place.Limited minutes for Okot as Dream win final home game of regular seasonKenya had a strong start in the opening set, but the Algerians managed to keep Tarus' men in check to take the opening set 25-21. Wafalme Stars responded fiercely in the second set, adjusting their net coverage, with the middle blockers stepping up to frustrate Algeria’s attack. Kenya executed much cleaner transitions and sharper service aces to claim the set 25-21.Wafalme fans held their breath in the opening part of the third set, hoping that the Zone Five champions would maintain their form. However, they went four points behind halfway through the set, with a combination of poor reception and service errors proving their Achilles heel as the North Africans took the set 25-19.##NAJAVA_MECA_9976193##Things went downhill in the fourth set where Wafalme had to regroup quickly to keep hopes alive, but instead, found the going tough. Smelling the finish line, Algeria put on a clinical display as Kenya's defensive blocks struggled to keep pace with the opponent's quick-set variations.Despite aggressive spikes from Kenya's frontline to force a decider, Algeria's defensive floor coverage proved impenetrable, allowing them to pull away comprehensively and book their spot in the quarterfinals.With the loss, the wait for a global appearance for Wafalme Stars continues, as will the conversation on where the disconnect with their female counterparts Malkia Strikers, who have dominated the continent and been on the world stage at the Olympics and World Championships, is.
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