Rwanda’s women’s national volleyball team continued its impressive start to the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday in Nairobi.
Rwanda won 25-17, 25-15 and 25-16 at Kasarani Indoor Arena to secure its second straight victory in Pool D and maintain a perfect record at the continental tournament.
The victory came a day after Rwanda opened its campaign with another straight-sets win over Algeria, while DR Congo had also started the tournament with a 3-0 victory against Burundi.
Rwanda established control early, taking the opening set 25-17 before extending its advantage with a 25-15 win in the second. The team then completed the sweep with a 25-16 victory in the third set.
Marie Divine Nyirahabimana was Rwanda’s leading scorer with 15 points, while Flavia Dusabe added 12 and Donatha Musabyemariya contributed eight.
Dusabe also produced a decisive defensive performance at the net, scoring the final point of the match with a block to seal Rwanda’s second consecutive victory.
Coach Frédéric Guérin retained the starting lineup that featured in Rwanda’s opening victory over Algeria, with Iris Ndagijimana at setter, Aloysie Tuyishime and captain Valentine Munezero as outside hitters, and Nyirahabimana as opposite hitter.
Musabyemariya and Dusabe started as middle blockers, while Lea Uwimbabazi played as libero.
Rwanda’s second consecutive victory puts the team in a strong position ahead of its final Pool D match against Burundi.
The 2026 championship, being held in Nairobi from August 25 to September 5, carries added importance, with the African champion earning direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The top three teams will also qualify for the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
Rwanda will now look to complete the group stage unbeaten as it targets a place in the knockout phase and a strong run towards the continental title.
