Egypt progressed to the final of the African Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship after defeating East African rivals Rwanda in straight sets (25-5, 25-17, 32-30) in their semifinal clash at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Kenya on Thursday.
It was the second consecutive edition in which Egypt denied Rwanda a place in the final. The two sides last met in the semifinals of the 2023 edition in Cameroon, where the Pharaohs also emerged victorious.
Egypt’s victory not only ended Rwanda’s hopes of reaching the final but also denied the East African side a ticket to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
ALSO READ: Rwanda see off Ghana to storm African Volleyball Championship semis
Rwanda made a promising start in the opening set, with middle blocker Donatha Musabyemariya scoring the first point. However, Egypt quickly took control, opening a 5-3 lead by the third minute.
Rwanda struggled to respond as Egypt asserted their dominance, with the widening deficit affecting the team’s confidence. The Pharaohs eventually closed out the set 25-5.
Looking to revive Rwanda’s fortunes in the second set, French coach Frederic Guerin made tactical adjustments, with opposite hitter Aloysie Tuyishime leading the response by contributing six points. Fellow middle blocker Divine Nyirahabimana added three.
However, their efforts were not enough to unsettle a composed Egyptian side, which maintained its control and won the set 25-17.
Egypt again established a two-point lead early in the third set before Rwanda’s middle blocker Flavia Dusabe reduced the deficit.
Captain Valentine Munezero then capitalised on an Egyptian error to level the score at 14-14, sparking renewed momentum for Rwanda and helping the side move into the lead.
The two teams traded points in a tense battle that eventually saw the score tied at 30-30. Egypt, however, held their nerve at the crucial moment, taking the next two points to win the set 32-30 and complete a 3-0 victory.
Rwanda will return to action on Friday, September 5, to contest the bronze medal against the loser of the semifinal between Cameroon and Kenya.
A victory would secure Rwanda a place among the tournament’s top three finishers and earn them a ticket to the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States and Canada.