Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has hailed the national volleyball team, Junior Malkia Strikers, after beating hosts Cameroon to win the U-20 African Nations Volleyball Championship on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Yaoundé.

Kenya’s girls captured the continental championship with a determined 3-1 victory over long-time adversaries of Central Africa. After the famous victory, Oscar Sudi took to his official X account on Tuesday, August 12, congratulating the team for making the country proud.

”Congratulations to Junior Malkia Strikers on winning the African Nations Volleyball Championship with a 3-1 victory over Cameroon in Yaoundé! They earned a spot in the 2026 FIVB World Championship. Special awards go to Terry Tata Mallin (MVP & Best Opposite) and Milka Akinyi (Best Outside Hitter). Kudos to the Junior Malkia Strikers for making Kenya proud!” Sudi wrote.

Junior Malkia Strikers journey

In a gripping showdown full of skill, resilience, and tactical precision, coach Jackline Barasa’s youthful side proved its dominance on Cameroonian soil. The final set scores stood at 24-26, 25-19, 28-26, and 25-16 in Kenya’s favour.

By reaching the final, Kenya had already sealed a ticket to the upcoming U20 World Championships, joining Cameroon and bronze medalists Egypt in representing Africa. The triumph also served as payback for Kenya’s earlier group-stage loss to the West Africans.

The match opened poorly for Kenya, conceding five straight points before Barasa called an early timeout. Cameroon’s height and blocking prowess initially gave them the edge, but errors in service and a drop in intensity allowed the visitors to snatch the opening set 26-24.

Cameroon responded strongly, using tight blocking to neutralise Kenya’s star attacker, Terry Tata, and took the second set 25-19. The third set turned into a tense back-and-forth. Tata, who had shone throughout the tournament, showcased her attacking craft to put Kenya ahead 20-15. Cameroon fought back to level, but Kenya held firm in a thrilling finish, edging the set 28-26.

Riding on momentum, Kenya stormed into the fourth set with Sheila Khasandi’s precise serving helping them race to a 10-0 lead. Despite a brief rally from the home side, front-row players Milka Apuoyo and Patricia Chemutai restored a comfortable cushion. Kenya closed out the match 25-16, sealing the coveted title for the Junior Malkia Strikers.