Egypt silences hosts Kenya in U23 volleyball

Kenya's Ann Imodia and Ann Lowem (right) block spike from Rahma Elmohandes of Egypt during their game with Egypt during 2016 Women's U23 African Nations Championship Ranking at Kasarani Stadium on Monday, Oct 24, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Kenya U23 women’s national volleyball team suffered a 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 20-25, 18-25) defeat to arch rivals Egypt in yesterday’s 2016 Women’s U23 Africa Nations Championships encounter at the Kasarani Gymnasium.

This was Kenya’s second game after thrashing Botswana by straight sets on Sunday.

Kenya coach Catherine Mabwi was quick to blame her side’s poor service and captain Pauline Wafula’s absence for the loss.

“We were a bit careless in our services. We threw them away very easily especially in the second set. With this result, we have no short cut but win all our remaining two matches, against Senegal and Rwanda. But we really missed our captain Wafula (Pauline),” Mabwi told Feverpitch.

Asked about their World Championships qualification chances, Mabwi said: “I cannot talk about Egypt or us winning the championships. Egypt have only played one game, they still have three more games. So, I think it’s after today’s match that we will know our fate.”

Kenya capitalised on the Egyptians’ poor service and back court defence to claim the first set 25-18. Veronica Tanui and Yvonne Wavinya were instrumental as Kenya led throughout the first set before clinching it.

Kenya took an early a 5-2 lead thanks to Tanui’s aces before Wavinya extended it with two quick points for the score to read 8-3 into the first technical time out.

However, it is Prisons Kenya’s Ann Lowem’s ace that propelled the hosts to the first set triumph.

Egypt came out a rejuvenated side with captain Farida Elaskalany and Meawad Nada inspiring them to bag a hard fought second set win.

It was a neck and neck affair in the second set before Egypt fended off Kenya with a 25-23 victory.

Egypt went ahead 8-7 going into the first TTO before capitalising on their hosts concentration lapse to stretch the lead 10-7. Despite Kenya’s comeback attempts the North Africans held their nerves to win it.

After exchanging leads in the opening minutes of the third set, it is the Egyptians who went into the 1st TTO leading 8-7. Egypt continued from where they left off to open a four point gap (16-12) ahead of the 2nd TTO. Kenya will hoped to bounce back against Senegal today at 4pm after Rwanda and Egypt match.