Rwanda secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 African Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship after sweeping Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-8) in the round of 16 at Kasarani Indoor Arena on Sunday. Frédéric Guérin’s side faced an early challenge as Burkina Faso stayed close and briefly took a two-point lead in the opening stages. However, Rwanda gradually took control after trailing 6-8. Burkina Faso’s struggles from the service line handed Rwanda crucial points, while captain Valentine Munezero and middle blocker Divine Marie Nyirahabimana produced key blocks to help the Rwandans regain the lead and close out the first set 25-19. ALSO READ: Rwanda crush Burundi to top Group D at CAVB women’s Championship Burkina Faso started the second set strongly, taking an early five-point lead as Rwanda struggled to find its rhythm. The West Africans, however, continued to make costly service errors and struggled to contain Rwanda’s attacks. A service mistake followed by an attack that went wide allowed Rwanda to turn the momentum around and eventually win the set 25-16. Rwanda dominated the decisive third set, with Nyirahabimana leading the attack. She scored eight points from seven attacks, while Flavia Dusabe added six as Rwanda opened up a 14-point lead. Burkina Faso struggled to cope with Rwanda’s pressure and were unable to mount a comeback as Guérin’s side cruised to a 25-8 victory. Nyirahabimana finished with 16 points and was named Player of the Match as Rwanda advanced to the quarter-finals.
