Kenya Stun Cameroon to Lift African U20 Volleyball Title

Kenya’s U20 women’s volleyball team, the Junior Malkia Strikers, clinched the 2025 African U20 Volleyball Championship title after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Cameroon in Yaoundé on Monday, August 11.

The win came in a tense contest that showcased skill, resilience, and tactical discipline as coach Jackline Barasa’s charges outclassed their hosts to lift the continental crown. The scores stood at 24-26, 25-19, 28-26, and 25-16 in Kenya’s favour.

The victory also secured Kenya’s ticket to the upcoming U20 World Championship, joining fellow African qualifiers Cameroon and Egypt. Ranked first on the continent, Kenya took sweet revenge against Cameroon, who had beaten them earlier in the preliminary round.

Kenya started the first set slowly, conceding five straight points and forcing an early timeout from Barasa. The West Africans dominated with their powerful blocks, but a dip in their intensity allowed Kenya to claw back and edge the opener 26-24.

Cameroon responded in the second set, neutralising Kenya’s main attacking threat, Terry Tata, and winning 25-19. The third set turned into a nail-biting battle, with Tata once again coming up big for Kenya. Her clever attacking play gave the visitors a mid-set lead, but Cameroon fought back to level. In a thrilling finish, Kenya held their nerve to take it 28-26.

Riding on that momentum, Kenya stormed into the fourth set, opening with a 10-0 lead thanks to Sheila Khasandi’s sharp serves and superb defensive work. Cameroon managed to narrow the gap, but Milka Apuoyo and Patricia Chemutai restored control, guiding Kenya to a 25-16 set win and the championship.

The triumph sparked jubilant celebrations, with Barasa sinking to her knees in relief and joy as her young side savoured the moment.

Kenya will now prepare for their debut at the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, which will take place across four Thai cities, Bangkok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, from August 22 to September 7, 2025