|
|
| Kenya’s Esther Wangeci (left) spikes against Safia Boukhima (centre) of Algeria during their 2013 Africa Women’s Volleyball Cup of Nations Championships at Kasarani Gymnisium, on Monday [PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD] |
By OSCAR PILIPILI
The National volleyball team face an acid test when they take on Cameroon in a crucial match at the 2013 CAVB Africa Women’s Cup of Nations at Moi International Sports Centre on Wednesday.
The match is important for both teams since each one of them has won their opening three fixtures.
The winners of this encounter stand a better chance of winning the six-nation tournament that is scheduled to end tomorrow.
The match features teams with contrasting records in the annual continental event.
READ MORE
It's race against time as Harambee Starlets begin Wafcon preps
Harambee Stars hope to shine as Senegal provide ultimate test
Harambee Stars face Equatorial Guinea test in Turkey
CAF and PUMA unveil the ITRI, official AFCON 2025 match ball
Whereas Kenya has clinched the event seven times, Cameroon is chasing its first honours.
Kenya and Cameroon met twice in 2011 and each team won one match.
Kenya beat Cameroon in the 2011 Africa Cup of Nations tournament held at Nazarene University but the West Africans avenged the loss by eliminating the East African girls at the All African Games semis in Algeria.
It is with this record in mind that Kenyan coach David Lung’aho has predicted a tough meeting between the two sides.
Expect fireworks
He said: “Cameroon has improved a lot in recent times and they have been playing good volleyball. And considering that each team has won all its opening three matches we expect fireworks at Kasarani gymnasium.”
Lung’aho’s playing unit has shown tremendous form right from the first match.
Led by experienced captain and middle blocker Bracksides Khadambi, the team has been outstanding in the tournament.
The Makuto sisters Everline and Violet have displayed great form from the antennae positions and so has Ruth Chepngetich at the centre.
Lung’aho has been spoilt for choice as both his setters, Jane Wacu and Janet Wanja, are in great form.
Great player
Left attacker Mercy Moim is another great player in the team but she needs to perfect her service so as not to give away easy points to the opponents.
Libero player Elizabeth Nafula is another player Lung’aho will look upon to protect the back court and deny the Cameroonians points.
Cameroon’s line-up also has star players like Youomkil Ngo and the influential Bassoka Moma.
The hard-hitting Moma is able to attack from all positions and also defends well at the net.
In other matches of the day, Tunisia with a win-loss record of 2-1 take on Senegal (1-3) as Egypt (0-3) tackle Algeria (0-3).
Egypt and Algeria who were once continental queens are out of contention by virtue of losing three matches each.
Senegal whose win-loss record stands at 1-2 is also out of contention.
After the round three matches last Monday, Kenya remains in pole position with nine points from three matches. Cameroon are second with two points adrift while Tunisia occupy third position on six points followed by Senegal (three), Egypt (one) and Algeria (one). The tournament is scheduled to end on Thursday.
