Egypt’s Al Ahly Women’s Volleyball Club reaffirmed their continental dominance after clinching a record-extending 11th title at the 2026 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, defeating Kenya’s Kenya Commercial Bank Women’s Volleyball Club 3-1 in a thrilling final in Cairo on Thursday, 23 April.
Backed by a raucous home crowd, Al Ahly overcame a slow start to deliver a composed and clinical performance, winning 22-25, 25-15, 25-20, 25-16 and sealing yet another chapter in their storied legacy.
KCB struck first, taking the opening set 25-22 to briefly silence the Ahly Hall crowd and signal their intent. However, the Egyptian giants responded emphatically, dominating the second set 25-15 before tightening their grip on the match with a controlled 25-20 win in the third.
With momentum firmly on their side, Al Ahly closed out the contest in style, sealing the fourth set 25-16 to spark wild celebrations as Cairo erupted in red.
The victory not only reinforces Al Ahly’s status as Africa’s most successful women’s club but also secures their place at the 2026 FIVB Club World Championship.
For KCB, it was a valiant campaign that fell just short of glory. Making their first final appearance since 2022, the Kenyan side showed resilience and quality throughout the tournament, ultimately settling for silver but leaving with renewed belief.
“We gave it everything and left it all on the court,” the team said in a statement after the match. “It’s not the ending we wanted, but the hunger only grows stronger—we’ll be back.”
Earlier, Kenya Pipeline Company Volleyball Club secured bronze after defeating Tunisia’s Club Féminin de Carthage 3-1 in the third-place playoff, capping a strong showing for Kenyan teams in the tournament.
Dream Team and individual awards
The championship also celebrated individual excellence with the unveiling of the official Dream Team, highlighting standout performers from across the continent.
Al Ahly’s Hazem Tamer Zeina was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), with her leadership and consistent high-level performances proving decisive in her team’s title-winning run.
Kenya’s Tata Jerry Makyn earned the opposite hitter slot after delivering powerful attacking displays, while Sokoyo Elizabeth Marian (Kenya Pipeline) and Cherono Sharon (KCB) were recognised as middle blockers for their dominant presence at the net.
The outside hitter positions went to Mohamed Jihen of Carthage and Namutira Juliana of KCB, both praised for their all-round brilliance.
Defensively, Essa Nada (Al Ahly) stood out as libero, while teammate Emam Dana was named best setter for her tactical precision.
A tournament to remember
The 2026 edition in Cairo showcased the growing depth and competitiveness of African women’s volleyball, with clubs from Egypt, Kenya, and Tunisia leading the charge.
In the end, however, it was Al Ahly who stood tallest—once again proving why they remain the undisputed queens of African club volleyball.
