This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
On September 29, 2019, Kenya's national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, made history by securing their first-ever FIVB World Cup victory in Japan. The team, led by coach Paul Bitok, emerged victorious in a hard-fought three sets to one win over perennial rivals Cameroon in Osaka, Japan.
The win marked a significant milestone for the team, who had previously lost ten matches without winning a single set. The victory saw Malkia Strikers finish 11th overall in the global showpiece, with China retaining the World title.
The match, dubbed the African derby, lived up to its expectation, with both sides displaying top-class skills. The Kenyan team retained the same lineup that played against Russia, led by Captain Mercy Moim, setter Jane Wacu, Trizah Atuka, Edith Wisa, Noel Murambi, Libero Agripina Kundu, and the hard-hitting Sharon Chepchumba.
Malkia Strikers got the rhythm right in the opening set, which they easily won 25-16. Cameroon fought hard in the second set, narrowly losing 24-26 before winning the third set 25-14. Kenya bagged the fourth set 25-21 to register their first victory at the World event.
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