Malkia Strikers face uphill battle in Paris Olympics after consecutive defeats

© Team Kenya/ Kelly Ayodi

Malkia Strikers face uphill battle in Paris Olympics after consecutive defeats

Festus Chuma 23:15 - 31.07.2024

Malkia Strikers faced a tough challenge against Poland at the Paris Olympics struggling despite a strong start.

The Kenya national women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers suffered another setback at the Paris Olympics losing 3-0 to Poland.

The sets ended 25-14, 25-17, and 25-15 marking the team's second consecutive defeat after a previous loss to Brazil in their opening match of the competition.

The Malkia Strikers, currently ranked 20th in the world started the match with energy and determination showing signs of potential upset against the third-ranked team in Europe.

However, the Polish team, leveraging their superior reception and blocking, quickly regained control, overpowering the Kenyan squad.

Coached by Japheth Munala, the Malkia Strikers matched Poland block-for-block in the early stages of the second set.

However, as the set progressed the team lost momentum allowing Poland to establish a commanding lead and ultimately take the set.

The third set saw Poland capitalize on their experience cruising to an easy victory against a visibly fatigued Kenyan team.

This loss leaves the Malkia Strikers at the bottom of Group B facing an uphill task as they prepare to meet Japan another strong contender on Saturday.

The upcoming match is critical for Kenya if they hope to have a shot at advancing to the quarterfinals in a tournament structure that sees the top two teams from each of the three groups along with the two best third-placed teams move forward.

Despite their current standing Malkia Strikers remains hopeful as the match against Japan offers a new opportunity to refine their strategy and improve on areas that have led to their defeats particularly their reception and blocking.

The Paris Olympics marks the fourth Olympic appearance for the Malkia Strikers who previously competed in the 2000 Sydney, 2004 Athens, and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

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