Malkia Strikers trio named in Africa Cup of Nations dream team

Malkia Strikers trio Sharon Chepchumba, Emmaculate Nekesa and Mercy Moim were named in African Volleyball Confederation, Dream Team following the conclusion of the Africa Nations Cup.

Chepchumba, a force to be reckoned with on the court, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Her exceptional skills and contributions played a pivotal role in Malkia Strikers' remarkable journey to victory.

Malkia strikers setter

Nekesa, was crowned the Best Setter of the tournament. Nekesa's precise and strategic assists were instrumental in orchestrating Malkia Strikers' dynamic attacks.

Moim, a seasoned player and the team's captain, earned recognition as the Best Outside Hitter of the tournament. Her powerful hits and leadership qualities were a driving force behind the team's success.

Notably, Egypt's Essa Nada and Ahmed Asa were also recognized for their outstanding performances, with Nada named the Best Libero and Asa honoured as the Best Blocker.

Malkia Strikers success

The pinnacle of Malkia Strikers' achievement came in the final match of the 2023 CAVB Africa Women's Nations Cup, where they secured their 10th continental title.

In a thrilling showdown against Egypt, Malkia Strikers dominated with a resounding 3-0 victory (25-22, 25-20, 25-14). This historic win brought an end to an eight-year wait for the coveted title and firmly placed it in Kenya's grasp.

In addition to their continental glory, Kenya's triumph has earned them a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Their impressive performance catapulted them from 30th to 22nd place in the latest FIVB World Rankings.

The journey to victory was marked by outstanding moments in each set. In the first set, Kenya quickly took control, thanks to early kills by Veronica Adhiambo and remarkable overpass kills by Edith Wisah. Despite Egypt's attempts at a comeback, Moim delivered a crucial ace, extending Kenya's lead to 9-5. Chepchumba's powerful kill further solidified Kenya's advantage, prompting Egypt to call a timeout.

Kenya maintained their comfortable lead at 17-11, even after a brief four-point scoring streak by Egypt. Egypt's coach, Emad El-Din, made tactical substitutions at 18-13 to shift momentum, but Kenya remained resilient. The set concluded with a score of 25-22 in Kenya's favour.

In the second set, Kenya bounced back from an early 0-2 deficit to seize control, leading 5-4. Their advantage expanded to four points at 11-7, prompting Egypt to take a timeout.

Kenya continued to press on, reaching a 17-13 lead, which led to the introduction of Jemimah Siang'u. Her contributions aided Kenya in maintaining a 20-16 lead.

Later, Rose Magoi and Loice Simiyu were introduced, contributing significantly, with Magoi delivering an ace and Simiyu blocking effectively. The set ended 25-20, in Kenya's favour, securing a 2-0 lead in sets.

The third set witnessed a commanding performance by Kenya, jumping to a 9-0 lead from Veronica Adhiambo's services.

Although Egypt managed to narrow the gap to three points at 9-6 after a timeout called by El Din, Kenya regained control, establishing a nine-point advantage at 18-9. Kenya's solid blocking, orchestrated by Trizah Atuka and Edith Wisah, led to a dominant performance. The set concluded with a score of 25-14, securing Kenya's 10th continental title.