Wafalme Stars pick first AFCON win in Egypt

Wafalme Stars players and the technical bench celebrate after defeating Ghana.[CAVB]

Wafalme Stars came from behind twice to defeat Ghana 3-2 on Wednesday to register their first victory at the ongoing CAVB African Nations Championships in Cairo, Egypt.

The national volleyball men’s team went down in the first set 23-25 before recovering to tie the sets at 1-1 following an improved 25-21 show in the second set.

A poor third set saw Ghana capitalize to win 25-16 before Wafalme captain Enock Mogeni came off the bench to inspire Kenya to a 25-17 and 15-11 win in the third and fourth quarters respectively to earn their first victory.

The Kenyan boys came into the match looking to avenge their 3-0 straight-set loss to Libya on Tuesday (25-23,25,22, and 25-12), which left their chances of moving on to the knockout stage hanging by a thread.

After losing to Cameroon in the first game 3-1 (22-25,20-25,26-24, and 17-25), Gideon Tarus' charges were looking to make amends.

In response to the victory, Tarus praised his team for the tenacity they displayed against Ghana.

"I am pleased with the victory—our first in the competition. Equally as impressive to me was the players' tenacity. We'll perform well in the next game, I'm confident," Tarus stated.

Ghana also lost to Cameroon and Libya as they finished last in Group C without a point.

Kenya will face off against Egypt in Round of 16.

Kenya’s Results in Egypt

Kenya 3-2 Ghana

Kenya 3-1 Cameroon

Kenya 3-0 Libya