Kenyan teams post mixed results at continental event

Kenya's beach volleyball player Gaudencia Makokha in action during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. [File]

Kenyan teams posted mixed results as the Africa Zone Five Olympic Games qualifiers started on Wednesday at the Pride Inn Beach Hotel in Mombasa.

Olympian and team captain Gaudencia Makokha partnered with Yvonne Wavinya to dismiss the Egyptian Team B of Nada Samir and Nariman Yasser 2-1 (21-10,19-21,15-6).

The win put the Kenyan Team A in a strong position of qualifying for the Africa Continental Cup where the winners will represent the continent at next year's Olympic Games in Paris, France

The Kenyan pair started the match strongly after combining well, a move that kept the Egyptian team make numerous errors to wrap up the first set 21-10.

However, in the second set, the Egyptians came back strongly and did not let the blowing wind from the Indian ocean disrupt them to narrowly level the tally at 1-1 with a slim 21-19 win

Enjoying home support, Makokha and Wavinya mounted more pressure to win the third and determining set 15-6.

In other women’s matches, Rwandan teams started positively after both Team A and B won their opening matches

Rwanda A pair of Munezero Valentine and Benitha Mukandayisenga defeated Burundi's Team B of Nopen Karen and Ndayikengurukiye Emmanuelie 2-0 (21-12, 21-14) to remain in title contention.

The Rwandese continued to impress after their B that comprised of Albertine Uwiringiyimana and Tuyishime Aloysie stunned Burundi's team A pair of Kamwemwe Gynette and Kaze Delly 2-1 (18-21,21-19,16-14) in a closely fought tie.

In the men’s matches, Kenya's Team A of Elphas Makuto and Jairus Bett made a false start after they lost 0-2 (15-21,11-21) to the Egyptian Team B pair of George Mourrice and Mohamed Zaky.

The Kenyan boys must win their subsequent matches to remain in title contention and avoid early exit from the qualifiers.

The men’s opening match saw Burundian first team of Mukunzi Christ and Iteriteka Jean beat Uganda's Team B of Ayo Innocent and Mugabi Ishaq 2-1 (21-14,19-21,15-10) to enhance their chances of qualifying for the final phase.

The top three teams in the Mombasa zonal qualifiers will proceed to next year’s CAVB Continental Cup whose winner will get the sole ticket reserved for the Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Mombasa event will also double up as qualifiers for the delayed 2023 Africa Games set for March 8-23 in Ghana next year. Three cities, Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast will host the continental games.