Despite a strong effort, Malkia Strikers fell to Japan in their final Group B game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, losing in straight sets (17-25, 22-25, 12-25) on Saturday afternoon at the South Paris Arena 6.

Kenya, making their fourth Olympic appearance, had modest goals: to win a set, to win a match, and to score at least 10 points in each set. They managed to score at least 12 points in each set but failed to win a set or match.

Kenya, the record African champions with 10 titles, has not won a set at the Olympics since Sydney 2000. In that debut tournament, they won two sets despite losing all five matches.

Both Kenya and Japan were already eliminated after losses to Brazil and Poland in their first two matches. Kenya lost to both teams in straight sets, while Japan, former Olympic champions, also failed to advance.

In their final match, Kenya delivered their best performance in the first two sets. After trailing 8-1 in the first set, they rallied to lose respectably at 17-25. The second set saw Kenya almost win their first set in 24 years but faltered, losing 22-25.

The third set was Kenya’s worst, losing 12-25 after another poor start. Japan, eager to finish strong, dominated the set and secured their eighth win against Kenya in eight meetings.

Malkia Strikers now face the challenge of addressing their consistent failures against non-African teams. In four Olympic appearances (2000, 2004, 2020, and 2024), Kenya has exited without winning a match, losing all 18 matches.