- KPA 1-3 REG (26-28, 18-25, 25-17, 28-30)
Even after losing the opening game of the tournament, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Volleyball Club has qualified for the semifinals.
REG secured a 3-1 victory against Kenya Port Authority (KPA) in the Africa Club Championship encounter at BK Arena, Kigali, on Thursday morning.
In the opening period, KPA started on the front foot and were quite proactive, creating a five-point lead (15-11) thanks to Kevin Wanyama’s ace, forcing REG into a timeout.
Coming from a timeout, REG closed the door to KPA’s preferred middle channel, and when the ball went to the wing, REG was able to show up with a strong block. At the end of the set, REG triumphed 28-26.
In the second frame, it was a closely contested affair until REG broke away, creating a five-point lead (19-14). Thon Maker Madol and Nicholas Matui were on top of their game as REG took the second set (25-18).
While the crowd thought that REG would take three straight sets, KPA stepped up and smashed the third set in style. The Rwandan side lost concentration, and the Kenyan side once again found the way in the middle, thus silencing the home crowd.
Benon Mugisha’s charges started slowly in the fourth set, but their good net defence kept them in the game to the point that Merci Gisubizo’s block won them the game.
As we advance in the semifinals, REG will take on the winner of an all-Rwandan quarterfinal between Kepler Volleyball Club and Police Volleyball Club.
