Sports
Uganda reach CAVB quarterfinals after sweeping aside DRC
Lady Volleyball Cranes opposite hitter Joan Tushemereirwe said the team was happy with the win but must remain focused. She was Uganda’s top scorer with 15 points, including 14 attacks and one block.
Lady Volleyball Cranes celebrate their win over DR Congo at Kasarani Arena in Nairobi. (Courtesy Photos)
By: Chrispus Baluku, Journalist @New Vision
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2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship
Round of 16: Uganda 3 DRC 0
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Uganda advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship after beating the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 3-0 on Saturday at Kasarani Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Lady Volleyball Cranes won 25-16, 27-25, 25-18 in a match that lasted one hour and 17 minutes.
Lady Volleyball Cranes opposite hitter Joan Tushemereirwe said the team was happy with the win but must remain focused. She was Uganda’s top scorer with 15 points, including 14 attacks and one block.
“We played well as a team, stayed focused and fought for every point. Winning in straight sets gives us confidence as we prepare for the quarterfinals ahead, but we must remain humble,” Tushemereirwe said.
She expects a tougher challenge in the next round and called for better teamwork.
“We know the quarterfinals will be tougher, so we must stay focused, correct our mistakes and keep working together to give ourselves a good chance of progressing further,” she said.
Lady Volleyball Cranes opposite hitter Joan Tushemereirwe said the team was happy with the win but must remain focused. She was Uganda’s top scorer with 15 points, including 14 attacks and one block.
Uganda advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship after beating the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 3-0. (Courtesy Photos)
“We played well as a team, stayed focused and fought for every point. Winning in straight sets gives us confidence as we prepare for the quarterfinals ahead, but we must remain humble,” Tushemereirwe said.
She expects a tougher challenge in the next round and called for better teamwork.
“We know the quarterfinals will be tougher, so we must stay focused, correct our mistakes and keep working together to give ourselves a good chance of progressing further,” she said.
Middle blocker Jennifer Alungat added 13 points, with six attacks, four blocks and three service points, while captain Catherine Ainembabazi also scored 13 points, all from attacks.
Coach Protus Soita’s girls dominated the game in attack, scoring 42 points compared to DRC’s 30. They also led in blocks 12-9 and service points 5-3.
Uganda made a strong start, winning the first set 25-16, before DRC put up a stronger fight in the second set. The Congolese side pushed Uganda to extra points, but the Lady Volleyball Cranes held on to win 27-25 before closing out the match 25-18 in the third set.
Uganda had earlier recorded two wins and one defeat in the group stage. They beat Senegal 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16), defeated Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-18), before losing 3-0 to Egypt (25-14, 25-9, 25-16).
Algeria also secured a place in the quarterfinals after beating Senegal 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-16).
The 2026 championship carries added importance, with the African champion earning direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The top three teams will also qualify for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Championship.
Coach Protus Soita’s girls dominated the game in attack, scoring 42 points compared to DRC’s 30. They also led in blocks 12-9 and service points 5-3.
Uganda made a strong start, winning the first set 25-16, before DRC put up a stronger fight in the second set. The Congolese side pushed Uganda to extra points, but the Lady Volleyball Cranes held on to win 27-25 before closing out the match 25-18 in the third set.
Uganda had earlier recorded two wins and one defeat in the group stage. They beat Senegal 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-16), defeated Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-18), before losing 3-0 to Egypt (25-14, 25-9, 25-16).
Algeria also secured a place in the quarterfinals after beating Senegal 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-16).
The 2026 championship carries added importance, with the African champion earning direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The top three teams will also qualify for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Championship.