This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
Kenya's national women's volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, is one match away from a record-extending 10th Africa Nations Championships title after defeating Senegal 3-0 in the semifinals on July 13, 2019 at the October 6 Hall in Giza, Egypt.
The Kenyan team will face either hosts Egypt or defending champions Cameroon in the final on July 14, 2019 at the same venue.
The match was a routine win for Kenya, with the team leading 25-13, 25-13, and 25-20 in the three sets.
The build-up to the match was marred by controversy, with Kenyans calling out the Sports Ministry for failing to pay the players their allowances, sparking a viral online campaign under the hashtag #IStandWithMalkia.
Kenya's head coach, Shaileen Ramdoo, made two changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Trizah Atuka and Emmaculate Chemtai in place of Brackcides Agala and Violet Makuto.
The Kenyan team had a blistering start to the match, racing to a 5-0 lead before Senegal's coach, Amadou Sène, called for a timeout.
Despite Senegal's efforts, Kenya's momentum continued, and the team pulled away to a 23-8 lead before Senegal scored five unanswered points.
The second set was more competitive, but Kenya's firepower eventually took over, and the team won 25-13, 25-13, and 25-20.
