Malkia Strikers slap down Cameroon to claim first win in Netherlands

The Kenyans showed great character and resilience as they whitewashed their perennial continental rivals in sets of 25-20, 27-25 and 25-19 to move within sight of the elusive second round, a feat no African side has ever previously managed.

Reigning Africa’s best player Sharon Chepchumba put an awe-inspiring performance yet again racking up 18 points as the Kenyans got a sweet revenge over the opponent who denied them a ten-record extending African title in last year’s final in September.

The pair have played each other in the final of the last five African continental competitions - with Cameroon winning three African championships in a row, and Kenya winning at the two most recent African Games competitions.

Both teams had lost their two Pool 'A' fixtures in straight sets with Kenya going down against Belgium and the  Netherlands.

It was Kenya’s second-ever win at the World Championships after their historic win against Kazakhstan in the 2018 edition held in Japan.

Head coach Luizomar de Moura made two changes to his first six introducing Gladys Ekaru for Lorine Chebet and Veronica Adhiambo for Noel Murambi.

Kenya next face European and Volleyball Nations League champions Italy on Thursday before winding up their Pool ‘A’ against Puerto Rico on Saturday.

A win in the remaining two matches would be enough to send the nine-time African champions to the second round.