Kenya achieved their second straight victory, outclassing Mozambique 3-0 sets (25-12, 25-9, 25-19) in the ongoing FIVB Women’s World Championships Africa qualifiers at the Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani yesterday.
Kenya volleyball team players celebrate scoring a point against Mozambique in the World Championships Africa qualifiers at Safaricom Stadium Kasarani yesterday. PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD
The victory brought Kenya’s win-loss record to 2-0 while Mozambique dropped to 0-2.
Head coach David Lung’aho made one change from the line-up that started against Uganda on Sunday, bringing in Diana Khisa for Bracksides Agala in centre position.
The Kenyans maintained the same form with Esther Wangeshi, Mercy Moim, Diana Khisa, Ruth Jepng’etich and Everline Makuto executing their characteristic rocket attacks.
Wangeshi attacked from the right to earn Kenya its first point as Jepng’etich hit wide. The home team dominated the proceedings to lead 8-5 at the first technical time out.
Mozambique, through Marilla Mangai, Neida Batoto and Ibrahimo Assiate, fought hard to keep the scores close but the home girls advanced to a 16-10 lead at the next official break.
The teams entertained fans with long rallies towards the end of the first set that was characterised by deft saves and great defending.
It appeared the Kenyan players were enjoying every moment of the game as they put their rivals to the sword.
Wacu roamed the court, setting the ball in perfect attacking position for attackers, as libero Elizabeth Nafula guarded the back court with the ferocity of a lioness in its territory while the attackers never tired of executing powerful spikes.
The Kenyan team, cheered on by a capacity crowd, raced to 8-1 and 16-6 at the technical time-outs of the second set, spelling doom for the Mozambique side, who looked like they were on a learning mission.
The introduction of Janet Wanja in place of Wacu and Joan Chelagat for Jepleting and Monica Biama for Moim did not slow down the onslaught or open up chinks in Kenya’s defence line as the home team went on to win the set 25-8.
The third set was no different as the Kenyans dominated the proceedings.
Chelegat proved that she deserved to be on the first team as she did well at centre court, with great blocks.
With Kenya up 8-2 and 16-6 at two technical time-outs of the third set, there was no doubt who the winners would be. Fans were singing to every attack as Kenya won 25-19.
Tunisia and Uganda were victorious in the first two fixtures played early in the day.
Uganda defeated Seychelles 3-2 sets (19-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-17, 15-12) in the first match of the day.
The victory brought Uganda’s win-loss record in the tournament to 1-0 while Seychelles dropped to 0-2.
Tunisia shrugged off a stiff challenge from Senegal to achieve their second straight victory of the tournament with a hard fought 3-1 set (25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 25-15).
The results brought Tunisia’s record to 2-0 while Senegal dropped to 1-1.
Tunisia got the first point of the match when Senegal players failed to contain Jemaii Kaouther’s attack from the back court.
Tunisia then gained three more points to take a 4-0 lead before an unsuccessful block handed Senegal its first point at 5-1.
Tunisia, through powerful attackers Messera Hlima, Agreb Fatma and Kaouther, scored three more points to take a 7-3 lead before a wide serve by Melina Crispin handed the North Africans an 8-3 lead at the first technical time-out.
By Oscar Pilipili, The Standard