Cameroon relied a lot on their experience to persevere through five sets as they defeated Senegal 3-2 to win bronze at the 17th edition of African Women Volleyball Championship.
Cameroon showed early intent as their block saw them take a 8-4 lead by the first Technical Time-out (TTO). Senegal didn’t have the same zeal on the net like Cameroon and despite having a good reception their setter always got it.
Senegal kept on serving Cameroon’s Bikatal but she was up to the task, giving setter Baran easy work to do. Cameroon still led 16-11 by the second TTO, though at this point Senegal had finally found the rhythm that saw them dismiss Morocco and Cameroon in the group stages.
Despite complaints of only training for two weeks prior to the tournament Cameroon took the lead with a 25-19 score. Senegal took charge of the early stages of the second set as they led 8-4 by the first TTO.
Leading 14-11, Senegal struggled on reception and cover, Cameroon caught up 14 all and later led 16-15 going into the second TOO.
It was neck to neck before Cameroon created a two point gap 19-17, Senegal pulled back 19-19. Both teams struggled to tame their services and at 23 all.
It seemed like deuce would separate the two sides, Bikatal lost her service again and Senegal defended theirs to win the set 25-23. At this point, Senegal had taken charge of the game, they led 8-2 to go into the first TTO of the third set. Senegal’s block now had more venom than Cameroon’s attack, actually Senegal defended their service from 8-4 to 13-5.
Cameroon’s block at this stage was a shadow of the one that won them the first set. Senegal led 16-8 going into the second TTO before winning the set 25-14 and lead the game 2-1. Cameroon stepped up the gear as they led 8-4 by the first TTO of the fourth set.
And later 16-7 going into the second before winning the set 25-13 to force a tie breaker. It was a slim 8-7 lead for Cameroon at the time both teams changed sides and deuce was needed to separate the two sides. Cameroon composed themselves better to go away with the set 17-15.
