Kenya's women's U-20 volleyball team won the African Women's U-20 Volleyball Championship on Monday, defeating Cameroon 3-1 in the final held in Yaoundé.
Kenya edged Cameroon 26-24 in a tight first set before dropping the second 19-25. The team bounced back with a hard-fought 28-26 win in the third set and then dominated the fourth 25-16 to secure the championship.
The win marked an emotional moment for Kenya's head coach, Jackline Barasa and several players, who were moved to tears after the match at the Yaoundé Sports Complex.
"We are extremely happy. Cameroon played well and we congratulate them for such a fierce match," she told reporters.
Both Kenya and Cameroon had already qualified for the 2026 FIVB U-20 World Championship ahead of the final.
Kenya will return to the world event for the third time next year, while Cameroon will take part for the first time. Egypt, which has won eight times, also qualified after beating Senegal 3-1 for third place.
On Monday, President William Ruto took to X to congratulate the Junior Malkia Strikers for their impressive victory.
"Congratulations to Kenya's Under-20 women's volleyball team for delivering a spectacular 3–1 victory over hosts Cameroon to claim the African Nations U-20 Championship in Yaoundé. From the football pitch to the volleyball court, our athletes are showing the continent what unity, talent, and resilience can achieve," he said.
Ruto specifically singled out Terry Tata Mallin and Milka Akinya for their impressive performances during the tournament.
"Special applause to Terry Tata Mallin, crowned both Best Opposite and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, adding to her MVP streak from four matches against Egypt, Senegal, Burundi, and Uganda. And to Milka Akinyi, our Best Outside Hitter, for her brilliance and consistency throughout the championship," he said.
"Hats off, champions! You've made the nation proud and proven once again that Kenya shines brightest when we stand together."