Rwanda’s women’s national volleyball team continued its strong start at the 2026 CAVB Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship after recording a convincing 3–0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) on Wednesday, August 26.

The Group D encounter was played at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya, where Rwanda dominated from the opening set and maintained control throughout the match.

Rwanda entered the contest with three points after beating Algeria 3–0 in its opening group match. DR Congo also had three points after securing a 3–0 win over Burundi, making Wednesday’s meeting an important battle for the top position in the group.

Rwanda controls the match

Rwanda quickly established its authority, winning the first set 25–17. The team remained in control in the second set, taking it 25–15, before completing the straight-set victory with a 25–16 win in the third.

The result highlighted Rwanda’s efficiency in attack, blocking and serving.

Rwanda registered 39 attack points, 10 blocks and five aces, while DR Congo finished with 23 attack points, six blocks and two aces.

Marie Divine leads Rwanda’s scoring

Nyirahabimana Marie Divine was Rwanda’s leading scorer with 15 points, playing a key role in the team’s dominant performance.

Dusabe Flavia added 12 points, while Musabyemariya Donatha contributed eight. Dusabe also produced the final block that sealed Rwanda’s 3–0 victory.

Head coach Frédéric Guérin kept the same starting lineup that featured in Rwanda’s opening victory over Algeria.

Setter Ndagijimana Iris continued to organize Rwanda’s attack, with Tuyishime Aloysie and captain Munezero Valentine operating as outside hitters. Nyirahabimana Marie Divine started as the opposite hitter.

Musabyemariya Donatha and Dusabe Flavia played as middle blockers, while Uwimbabazi Lea took the libero position.

Rwanda still without Mukandayisenga Benitha

Rwanda is yet to benefit from the services of Mukandayisenga Benitha, an APR WVC outside hitter who was named the best player in this year’s Rwanda Volleyball Championship.

Benitha remains sidelined because of an injury, although there is optimism that she could return for Rwanda’s upcoming matches.

Burundi next for Rwanda

Rwanda will now turn its attention to its final Group D match against Burundi.

The victory over DR Congo puts Rwanda in a strong position as the group stage reaches its decisive stage.

The 2026 African women’s volleyball championship also carries major qualification implications. The tournament winner will earn a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, while the top three teams will qualify for the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.