Forget the 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-17) win over Mauritius at the 17th edition of the African Women’s Championship, Kenya’s 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) victory at the expense of Algeria on Sunday spoke volumes that sent a loud message to Tunisia, Cameroon, Senegal and Morocco the other suitors to a crown Kenya has lifted a record eight times.
Botswana are next in line for Kenya and a win today will give the David Lung’aho coached side an 100 percent record going into the knockout phases.
Lung’aho has so far gone with Janet Wanja as setter ahead of Jane Wacu with Evelyn Makuto and Mercy Moim as power players. Lydia Maiyo started ahead of Esther Wangeci as the opposite with captain Brackside Agala and Ruth Jepngetich patrol the middle. It’s likely to stay that way on Monday and going into the later stages of the championship.
Botswana themselves fought aggressively to overcome the struggling Mauritian team 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15) to come second of Pool A ahead of Algeria with a better set ratio. They will come out all guns blazing looking for a result that will see them qualify while Algeria look to overpower Mauritius to also stand a chance.
But while Kenya have been having an easy ride, the local crowd has been treated to exciting volleyball from other participants.
Queens of comeback, Senegal came from two sets down to beat Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-13) in an entertaining Group B match to register their second win in a row at the championship. On day one Senegal came from two sets down to stun 2013 Silver medalists, Cameroon 3-2 (20-25, 25-27, 25-16, 25-20, 15-12) in an entertaining five set thriller.
Actually now Senegal lead Pool B with a win-loss ratio of 2-0 and 4 points like Cameroon who took over Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20). Tunisia had on day two come from a set down to beat Morocco 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-21, and 25-13).
