This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
On January 9, 2020, the wait was finally over for Malkia Strikers as they secured a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a 3-0 win over Nigeria in their last match.
The team, led by coach Paul Bitok, had been on a quest for 16 years, with a history of near-misses and heartbreak. However, their determination and hard work paid off as they celebrated their victory at the Palais polyvalent des sports (Paposy) Arena.
The team's journey to the Olympics began on Sunday, January 5, 2020, with a 3-1 win over Egypt, followed by a 3-0 victory over Botswana on Monday, January 6, 2020. They then saw off hosts and arch-rivals Cameroon 3-2 on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, to move within a win from making a return to the Summer Games.
Kenya's recent history in regards to the Olympics is forged in pain and fuelled by emotional energy, with the girls last participating in the Olympics in the 2004 Athens Games. However, the team's recent success marks a new chapter in their history, and they are now set to represent Kenya in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
