Kenya's men national volleyball team, Wafalme Stars, suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts Tunisia in their opening match if the 2026 CAVB Men's African Nations Volleyball Championship on Wednesday, 16 September in Tunis, Tunisia.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsTunisia went into the match as favourites, as they are second highest ranked team in Africa, and 44th globally, and enjoying the home advantage as well. Wafalme, on the other hand, were keen to begin on a high even as they chase a podium finish that would guarantee them a place in the 2027 FIVB Men's World Cup.##NAJAVA_MECA_9961668##The hosts began brightly, with Wafalme taking time to gather rhythm and offer answers to the questions posed by the home. The Carthage Eagles went ahead to secure the set with 25-15 points.Wafalme were a much more improved side in the second set, giving Tunisia a run for their money with Nicholas Matui’s powerful spikes proving pivotal for Kenya.Government set to introduce term limits for Sports Registrar positionWith Tunisia’s lead narrowed down to 12-10, the hosts were forced to call for a time out but their strategy did little to stop the Kenyan boys who went neck-to-neck with them. Kenya, with a spirited flight, were on the lead for the better part, pushing Tunisia for yet another technical time out. Tunisia would then regain the lead following two successive points, with coach Gideon Tarus utilizing his time out to rejuvenate the team but it was Tunisia who held their nerves well to bag the set 25-23.The third set was also highly contested from the beginning, as Kenya fought hard in a bid to claim it and possibly even the scores in the fourth one. Millions Kenya Sevens players were to earn from Ultimate 7sHowever, Tunisia showed remarkable composure and experience to win it 25-16.Wafalme will be back in action on Thursday 17 September with a clash against Ghana from 1400 hrs. Both teams will be chasing their first win of the tournament having lost to Tunisia with identical sets.