The Malkia Strikers began their FIVB Women’s World Championship campaign with a straight-sets loss to Germany on Saturday, falling 25-22, 25-8, 25-20 in their Group G opener.

Despite a spirited start, the ten-time African champions were ultimately outmatched by their higher-ranked European opponents.

The Kenyan side showed promising signs in the opening set, going toe-to-toe with Germany before narrowly losing 25-22.

However, the second set saw the European team take complete control, dominating with sharp attacks and solid defense to win 25-8 and break Kenya’s rhythm.

The Malkia Strikers regrouped in the third set, fighting point-for-point, but Germany’s experience proved too much, closing out the match 25-20.

In the aftermath of the match, team captain Meldina Sande praised her team’s fighting spirit against a formidable opponent.

“The attitude towards the Germany game was good. We had trained well and hoped for a better result,” Sande said.

She acknowledged Germany’s standing on the world stage but affirmed that the Malkia Strikers came to compete and will “push harder for the next game.”

Germany’s captain, Camila Vaitsel, admitted her team had little prior knowledge of Kenya’s style of play and was impressed by their resistance.

“We had never faced Kenya before and were surprised by how well they defended and their hard hitting,” Vaitsel commented. She noted that her team had to adjust its strategy to secure the win.

Head coach Geoffrey Omondi expressed pride in his players’ effort but stressed the need for greater composure under pressure.

“I’m proud, though not fully satisfied. We had hoped to get at least one or two sets,” he said, adding that the team must gain more experience against elite sides.

The Malkia Strikers, ranked 27th in the world, will now turn their attention to their next challenge: a tough encounter with former European champions Poland, ranked third globally, on Monday.

They will then face Vietnam, ranked 22nd, on Wednesday.

With only the top two teams in each pool advancing to the round of 16, Kenya will be seeking their first-ever win at this level to keep their hopes alive.

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