Algerian side stand on Prisons’ way to glory

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenyan volleyball enthusiasts Kenyans will be praying that Prisons beat Petroliers of Algeria in the final of CAVB African Club Championships on Friday.

Petroliers beat Prisons 3-2 in preliminary round and the two teams meet again in the deciding match in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Prisons and Algeria’s GS Petroliers qualified to the final of the continental event following their victories against Bejaia (Algeria) and Al Ahly (Egypt) in semis.

Four-time winners Prisons qualified for the fourth consecutive final after beating Bejaia 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-22) in 68 minutes.  

The first set was dominated by the Algerians who used the back attacks to the opposite player Narimene Cherif who succeeded several times to penetrate Prisons attack.

Prisons arranged their block against the Algerian attacks as Bracksides Khadambi and Diana Khisa stopped many spikes from Bejaia star Fatma Djouad. Prisons increased the point difference to win the set 25-16.

The second set showed much improvement in Bejaia blockers through Adama Diallo so Bejaia advanced 8-5.

Prisons stabilised to mount quick attacks through Khadambi and the wings through Loice Jepkosgei to lead until they finished the set 25-15.

 MB Bejaia tried to save the match as their coach made several substitutions to stop the Kenyan attacks, but Wacu started to set to the backline players to deceive the Algerian blocker to allow Prisons to lead 8-5 at the first technical time out.

Prisons became more motivated to continue winning in straight sets, while Bejaia repeated their reception and attacking mistakes, enabling Prisons to lead 16-11 at the second time out.