The European team faced significant pressure after dropping the second set but elevated their performance to clinch the victory in Phuket.
Polish setter Katarzyna Wenerska in action at the net.
Poland, ranked third globally by FIVB, faced a tough challenge from a lower-ranked opponent for the second consecutive time in Pool G of the 2025 FIVB World Championship. On Monday in Phuket, after a wobbly second set, they ultimately overcame world number 25 Kenya.
Just two days after surprisingly conceding a set to 22nd-ranked Vietnam, the European team repeated this against the reigning African champions. However, they regained their top form to clinch a 3-1 victory (25-17, 15-25, 25-15, 25-14), guaranteeing their progression to the tournament`s knockout stages.
Match Highlights and Team Performances
Earlier in Phuket, Germany secured a clean 3-0 sweep against Vietnam (25-18, 25-17, 25-21). This result meant both European squads finished the day with six points, securing their places in the Round of 16. In contrast, the African and Asian teams, with no points, are now eliminated from contention.
Poland`s outside hitters played a crucial role in their victory. Martyna Czyrniańska delivered an impressive six aces, leading her team with 15 points (eight kills, six aces, one block). Martyna Łukasic added another 14 points (12 kills, two aces). Opposite Malwina Smarzek contributed 12 points, and middle blocker Agnieszka Korneluk scored 11, both also reaching double digits.
Korneluk commented, “Kenya displayed excellent defense and showed significant bravery at the net. They had a strong performance today, and we truly needed to concentrate on our own play to secure the win. I believe our next match will be different, as Germany will be the first opponent here that we are truly familiar with. We understand what needs to be done and will pursue our objectives against them.”
For Kenya, outside hitter Veronica Adhiambo delivered an outstanding performance, contributing a match-high 18 points (15 kills, two blocks, one ace) and playing a key role in the African champions winning their first set in Thailand. Middle blocker Belinda Barasa also scored 12 points (11 kills, one ace).
Statistically, Poland surpassed Kenya in kills (52 to 46) and aces (eight to two). However, Kenya recorded more blocks (seven to six). The European team also played a more disciplined game, committing only 16 errors compared to Kenya`s 24.
Kenya and Vietnam will conclude their World Championship journey on Wednesday with their final Pool G match at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT). Later that day, at 20:30 (13:30 GMT), Poland and Germany will clash to determine the top spot in the group.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick