Kenya rout Algeria as Cameroon stun Senegal

By OSCAR PILIPILI

Kenyan girls demolished Algeria 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-13 ) on the third day of the African Cup of Nations women volleyball tournament at the  Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The hosts displayed great form during the match that extended their win-loss record at the tournament to 3-0. Makuto sisters Evelyn and Violet attacked ferociously from antennae positions, captain Bracksides Agala and Ruth Chepng’etich were outstanding at the middle and Jane Wacu’s setting skills were admirable.

Libero player Elizabeth Wafula defended well in back court while Mercy Moim’s powerful spikes penetrated Algeria defence with military precision.

Earlier, red hot Cameroon team maintained it’s winning ways following 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-21) set victory against Senegal.

The victory brought Cameroon’s win-loss record in the tournament to 3-0 while Senegal dropped to 1-2 on third day of the event yesterday.

In the second match of the day, Tunisia handed Egypt its third straight loss after they beat them 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 25-18) in an entertaining North African derby.

Tunisia’s win-loss record now stands at 2-1 while Egypt dropped to 0-3.

With Cameroon chasing its third straight victory and Senegal out to achieve its second win, the opening set was a cracker right from the first minute.

The match involved players with similar physical ability, tall and muscular, but Senegal played well to take 8-6 lead at the first technical time out.

Senegal’s Gueye Sokhna, who stands at 193cm tall and Dagne Marieme were outstanding at the net frustrating the Cameroonian attackers with solid blocks.

However, Cameroon was outstanding in back court defence where Libero player Mekonga Iroune picked up all balls with perfection.

The set was closely contested but the exuberant Cameroonian girls managed to open a four point lead at the second technical time out.

Cameroon displayed a purposeful game and through the powerful attacks of Ngo Yomkil and Nana Tchoudjang raced to a 21-16 point advantage before claiming the opening set at 25-17.

Cameroon started the second set on positive note with a wild attack by Diagne Lall of Senegal giving them the first point.

Cameroon stepped up their attacks and gained quick points to leave Senegal trailing 8-4 at the first technical time out. Cameroon maintained great form to take a 16-8 advantage at the next break. Cameroon, attacking from all positions, overwhelmed Senegal to open a 10-point lead at 20-10 and held on to win 25-15.

Senegal fought back gallantly in the opening minutes of the third set to make the contest hard as Cameroon narrowly led 8-7 at the first technical time out and 16-15 at the second break.

Senegal lost steam after Cameroon opened a four - point lead at 23-19 in a set that ended at 25-21. Tuesday is rest day with action resuming Wednesday.