NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Malkia Strikers will face Egypt in the final of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship on Friday, with the winner set to claim Africa’s qualification place for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The final is scheduled for 6:00 pm at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, where Kenya will also be chasing a record-extending 11th African title.
Both Kenya and Egypt have already secured places at the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup by reaching the continental final. The third African World Cup ticket will go to the winner of the bronze-medal match between Cameroon and Rwanda, scheduled for 3:00 pm.
The Olympic prize, however, gives Friday’s gold-medal contest an even bigger significance.
Egypt arrive in final unbeaten and without losing a set
Egypt have been the dominant side throughout the tournament, winning all six matches without dropping a single set.
The North Africans topped Pool B after sweeping Burkina Faso, Senegal and Uganda before maintaining their perfect record in the knockout stages.
They defeated Burundi 3-0 in the round of 16, Tunisia 3-0 in the quarter-finals and Rwanda 3-0 in the semi-finals.
Their semi-final against Rwanda demonstrated the gulf in performance during the opening two sets, with Egypt winning 25-5 and 25-17 before Rwanda pushed them to the limit in the third.
Egypt eventually prevailed 32-30 to complete another straight-sets victory and book their place in the final.
The Egyptians will now attempt to complete a perfect championship by adding the continental crown and Olympic qualification to their unbeaten run.
Malkia Strikers maintain perfect home record
Kenya have also gone unbeaten on home soil, although the defending champions have been tested more severely than their final opponents.
The Malkia Strikers opened their campaign with straight-set victories over Zambia and Mali before eliminating Nigeria 3-0 in the round of 16.
They were pushed hardest by Algeria in the quarter-finals after losing the opening set, but recovered strongly to win 3-1, with scores of 21-25, 25-7, 25-15 and 25-18.
Kenya then produced a commanding performance against Cameroon in Thursday’s semi-final, winning 25-19, 25-20 and 25-20 to seal a 3-0 victory.
The result secured Kenya’s place in the final and guaranteed the team a ticket to the 2027 World Cup.
Kenya chasing 11th African crown
The Malkia Strikers enter Friday’s final as the defending African champions and the record holders in the continental competition.
Kenya won their 10th African title in 2023, defeating Egypt 3-0 in the final in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
A victory on Friday would therefore give Kenya an 11th continental championship and, more importantly, direct qualification for the women’s volleyball tournament at LA 2028.
The 2026 championship was designed to serve as both the African continental championship and a qualification pathway for the Olympics and 2027 World Cup. FIVB says the champions will earn Africa’s direct Olympic berth, while the top three teams qualify for the World Cup.
Ruto rallies behind Malkia Strikers
President William Ruto has congratulated the team on reaching the final and urged the players to complete their campaign with victory.
In a message shared on social media, Ruto praised the Malkia Strikers after their 3-0 semi-final victory over Cameroon.
“We are proud of the outstanding performance of our Malkia Strikers at the 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship.”
The President described the victory as a proud moment for Kenya and reminded the team that the country was behind them as they prepared for the final.
“As the defending African champions, you have once again shown the winning spirit that has come to define Malkia Strikers.”
Ruto wished the team well ahead of the decisive encounter, saying:
“As you take this final step, know that the nation stands firmly behind you. All the best in the finals. Make Kenya proud.”
The message adds to the growing national attention surrounding Friday’s match, with Kenya seeking to turn home advantage into another continental title.
Bronze-medal match also carries World Cup prize
Before the final, Cameroon and Rwanda will meet in the bronze-medal match at 3:00 pm.
The encounter carries its own major reward, with the winner securing the third and final African qualification ticket to the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup.
Cameroon had reached the semi-finals without dropping a set before running into Kenya, while Rwanda pushed Egypt during their semi-final despite eventually losing 3-0.
Kenya have one final hurdle
Friday’s final presents a contrast between two unbeaten teams with different tournament records.
Egypt have been virtually flawless, winning every match without conceding a set. Kenya, meanwhile, have demonstrated their resilience by recovering from their only set loss against Algeria before sweeping Cameroon.
The Malkia Strikers will also have the backing of a home crowd at Kasarani as they attempt to retain their African crown.
The equation is ultimately straightforward: beat Egypt and Kenya will be African champions, win their 11th continental title and secure Africa’s women’s volleyball ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
For Egypt, victory would complete a perfect tournament and secure the same Olympic prize.
After two weeks of competition in Nairobi, the continent’s biggest women’s volleyball prize will be decided in one final match.
