Kenya’s quest for the U20 Nations African championship glory kicked off on a losing note following a 3-1 set loss to Cameroon on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Luke Makuto and Gideon Njine’s charges were left rueing a slow start against the burly West Africans, losing the first set by six points.

The team, however, regrouped to mount a spirited comeback in a narrow 29-27 victory before Cameroon snatched the third by 25-21.

Kenya’s struggles in the final set, however, proved decisive in deciding the battle.

Kenya-Cameroon rivalry

The clash marked a repeat of a continental clash that saw the two African giants renew their rivalry on the courts, albeit in the ladies’ category, back in May.

The Junior Malkia Strikers silenced host and traditional rival Cameroon on Monday, August 11, 2025, to bag the continental honours.

The Jackline Brasa-coached team had similarly edged another fierce rival in Egypt in the semifinal duel on Sunday, August 10, 2025, to book a date against Cameroon at the final.

In the other group tie, a hard-fighting Rwanda ended on the wrong end of the scorelinein a 3-2 loss against Morocco.

The Rwandese took the battle to the North Africans, leaving nothing to separate them after four opening sets.

Their resolve was, however, snapped in the decisive fourth set on a 15-11 defeat.

The team will be back on the court on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, to play against Rwanda in the second clash of the classification stage.

The junior team will conclude the group ties with a clash against Morocco afterwards.

The continental championship also serves as a qualification path for the 2026 U21 World Championship.

Those selected to do duty for Kenya include Reagan Otieno and Kelvin Soita from Prisons Kenya; Emmanuel Kiptoo, Dickson Kiplagat and Steven Barrack from KAPU; Abraham Kipkemboi from AP Kenya; Bernard Kipchumba, Bethwel Kiplagat and Justus Kibet from Cheptil Secondary School; Felix Ogembo from Malava Secondary School; Justin Irungu from Zetech University; and Edwin Kipchichir from Trailblazers.