Kenya's Malkia Strikers started their Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign on a losing note after falling to Brazil 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-13) in their opening match at the South Paris Arena hall.
Malkia Strikers are the 10-time African champions while Brazil have won the 23-time South American title 23 times. This was their eighth meeting with Brazil winning all the 24 sets.
Apart from scoring the opening point first, Kenyans were on the receiving end throughout the match with Brazil maintaining a respectable lead in all three sets.
Kenya, under head coach Japheth Munala, face two-time Olympic bronze winners Poland on Wednesday.
They wind up their Group B matches against 1964 and 1976 Olympic Games gold medalists Japan on August 3.
Captain and middle blocker Trizah Atuka led the team alongside libero Aggripina Kundu, Outside hitter Greek-based Veronica Adhiambo, setters Esther Mutinda and Immaculate Nekesa and opposite hitters Pamela Adhiambo and Julian Namutira.
Kenya started without their favourite opposite hitter Sharon Chumba who is nursing a knee injury.
This is Malkia Strikers' fourth Olympic Games appearance having featured in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2004 Athens and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
