Epoloto heaps praise on national team after win over Libya

The national men volleyball team after they beat Rwanda in a past match. [Courtesy]

It was Kenya’s first win at the competition after losing by straight sets to Ghana and Tunisia.

The national men’s volleyball team head coach was full of praise for his players, who upset Libya in their final Group B match of the African Nations Cup cum World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday night in Cairo, Egypt.

It was Kenya’s first win at the competition after losing by straight sets to Ghana (16-25,24-26,16-25) and Tunisia (25-16, 25-19, 25-22) in their opening two matches.

They beat Libya 3-2 (25-16, 25-20, 21-25, 21-25,12-15).

Although the team failed to progress to the quarterfinals, Moses Epoloto was impressed with his side’s fighting spirit after rallying from two sets behind to claim the win against the North African team.

“It was a sweet and well deserved win against a boastful North African side. They (Libya) were overconfident from the word go,” Epoloto told The Standard Sports on the phone.

Even as Kenya prepares for their 9-16 place ranking match probably against Nigeria today, the former General Service Unit coach believes his youthful squad will be a force to reckon with in the continent in the coming years.

“The boys are upbeat and ready to go for a better position,” he said.

“I’m really proud of my players. This is a very young, talented, and disciplined team with a great future. They are completely bonded and slowly learning the ropes. Just watch this space, with time, it will be a team to beat.”

Despite losing to Kenya, Libya qualified for the last eight alongside Group B leaders Tunisia. Paul Bitok’s Rwanda also sailed through after finishing second in Group D behind Algeria, while giants Egypt and Congo DR topped Group A. The top three teams in the tournament will represent the continent in next year’s Championship in Japan.