Malkia Strikers thrash Vietnam to end World Championship journey on high
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.08.25. | 19:33
Two players scored in double digits to give Omondi's side their third ever win in the global tournament
Malkia Strikers bounced out of the FIVB World Championship on a winning note after beating Vietnam 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-18) at Saphan Hin Municipal stadium in Phuket, Thailand on Wednesday, 27 August.
Malkia, who had prior to this game suffered defeats at the hands of heavyweights Poland and Germany, needed the exploits of Veronica Oluoch and Belinda Barasa to secure the win.
Oluoch, who in the buildup to the game promised much, led the way with a game-high 19 points, with Barasa adding 13 to give Kenya only her third win at the World Championship.
Previous wins for Malkia came in 2018, and 2022, when Kenya, led by Japheth Munala and Brazilian Louizmar, secured victories over Kazakhstan and Cameroon respectively.
Speaking after the win, Kenya's head coach Geoffrey Omondi expressed his delight in the young team, saying that they proved that they deserved a chance to play on the global stage.
“I want to commend the players. The game plan was on point, and we did not change anything," Omondi shared his post-game thoughts .
"I am happy with the overall performance of each and every player. When we were coming here, people had doubts about the young team, and with this result, I think they have confirmed that they deserved to be here. It is a team to watch."
For continuity, Omondi hopes the current team will engage in more international matches to keep up their momentum.
Barasa, on the other hand, said teamwork was key in them securing a double over Vietnam, who they also beat in their test match.
“The game was nice, and it is fulfilling that we won against Vietnam, which is not an easy side," Barasa said.
"Communication on the court was amazing, and the game just flowed. Morale and confidence won us the match."
A stat that perhaps proved Kenya's dominance was Thi Quyhn being the only Vietnam player to hit double digits, scoring 12 points.
