Tunisia earned their first ever FIVB World Championships ticket after defeating Kenya 3-2 sets (25-21, 24-26, 15-25, 28-26, 15-10) in decisive African Pool “U” qualification round in Nairobi yesterday.
Tunisia’s Maroua Boughanmi recieves the ball as Fatma Agrebi keeps an eye during their match against Seychelles on Friday. Tunisia beat kenya 3-2 yesterday to clinch the ticket to World Championships in Poland. PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD
Tunisia shocked the host when they gained the first point of the set but Maissa Lengliz hit the net to give the home team their first point. A wide serve by Tunisia and successful blocks by Evelyne Makuto and and Brackcedes Agala handed the home team two more points to take 3-1 lead.
Tunisia powerful attackers Kaouther Jemaii and Barhoumi Marwa were outstanding in attack as they gained points to propel their team to 6-5 and 8-7 advantage at the first technical time out.
Inaccurate serving cost Kenya at least two points before the first official break. Mercy Moim’s spike from the centre helped Kenya to level the scores 8-8 but a Jemaii crusher put Kenya ahead with a one-point advantage.
Tunisia gained a service ace that extended their lead to 12-9 forcing Kenyan coach to call time out. Tunisia combination of Messera Hlima, Fatma Agreb and Kaouther were outstanding in the attack with successful blocks.
Kenya reception was wanting as Tunisia raced to 15-12 lead and held on to win the set 25-21. Inspired by first set victory, Tunisia started the second set with more fire power, penetrating Kenya’s blocks to lead 8-7.
The two teams then were at 22-21 but a blockbuster by Makuto on the left saw the home team regain two points to win 26-24.
The third set started on crackling note as a charged Kenyan team did not waste time going ahead 22-13 lead before bagged the set 25-15. Tunisia raced to 8-4 lead in the fourth, then 12-8 and 16-9 advantage. The teams tied at 20-20. Kenya lost focus mentarily as Tunisia won the set 28-26. The fifth set went tunisia way in 15-10 as Kenya lost their breath.
Earlier, Senegal rallied from one set down to defeat Uganda 3-1 (19-25, 25-18, 25-15, 25-22).
By OSCAR PILIPILI, The Standard