Sports 29 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Lady Volleyball Cranes Secure Quarterfinal Spot with Dominant Win Over DR Congo
Uganda's Lady Volleyball Cranes have advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 CAVB African Nations Championship after a decisive 3-0 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team showed resilience, particularly in a hard-fought second set, to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/lady-volleyball-cranes-sweep-past-dr-congo-to-reach-african-championship-quarterfinals-5575766
The Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes are on a strong trajectory at the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship, having decisively swept aside the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 3-0 triumph during the Round of 16. This victory propels the Cranes into the quarterfinals, continuing their impressive performance in the continental competition.
The Ugandan team secured the sets with scores of 25-16, 27-25, and 25-18. Joan Tushemereirwe was the standout player, leading the offense with a match-high of 15 points. Captain Catherine Ainembabazi and middle blocker Jennifer Alungat also made significant contributions, each adding 13 points to the team’s tally.
The first set saw Uganda establish an early lead, but DR Congo fought back. However, the Lady Cranes regrouped to secure the opening set. The second set proved to be the most challenging, with both teams battling intensely. Despite trailing, Uganda managed to clinch the set 27-25, a crucial turning point that boosted their confidence.
Head coach Protus Soita acknowledged the difficulty, particularly in receiving serves during the second set. Captain Ainembabazi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the reception challenges that made the set a tough contest. Nevertheless, the team’s renewed determination was evident in the third set, which they dominated to seal the match.
Having already matched their previous performance by reaching the quarterfinals, the Lady Volleyball Cranes are now setting their sights on advancing further in the tournament and breaking new ground in their continental campaign.