Lung'aho laments poor reception for Ahly defeat as Pipeline start on a winning note

Prisons Volleyball team players celebrates a point against KCB players during a ladies volleyball match as the Kenya Volleyball Federation National play-offs came to an end at the KPA Makande Gym, November 29, 2015. KCB won 3-2. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Prisons Kenya coach David Lung’aho has lamented poor reception for his side’s 3-1 (25-14, 25-21,18-25, 25-16) defeat to record holders and champions Al Ahly of Egypt in their Group B opening match of the 2017 African Women’s Club Championship in Monastir, Tunisia on Friday night.

Prisons had a shaky start, but both sides performed well, each taking a few points apiece, where a long rally with several impressive saves saw the point eventually go to Ahly.

They Egyptians capitalised on the wardresses’ poor reception to easily bag the first set 25-14. Prisons improved in the second set but Al Ahly still had the upper hand winning it 25-21.

The Kenyan side pulled one back, winning the third set at 18-25, but Al Ahly recovered to secure the victory with a comfortable 25-16 win in the fourth set.

“They are still beatable; we just need to work on our reception in today’s (yesterday) match. We are left with only winning as our option. But I can promise that we will recover,” Lung’aho told the Standard Sports from Tunisia.

But it was a positive start for seven-time champions Kenya Pipeline who beat APR of Rwanda by straight sets (26-24, 25-14, 25-12) on the same day.

However, just like their local rivals, Pipeline struggled in their reception as confirmed by captain Trizah Atuka.

“It was a good start, but we really struggled with our reception in the first set before settling in the second and third sets. Our attack was on point and we hope to continue with the same spirit until the end of the tournament,” said Atuka.

Kenya Pipeline were due to face Sonatrach of Algeria last evening as Prisons take on hosts Marsa.