Kenya and Algeria set another new era classic final after they won their matches against Cameroon and Senegal respectively in the semifinal of the Women’s African Nations Championship held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday.
This is the third final between the African Giants in 8 years after 2007 and 2011 when Kenya won both events in Nairobi.
Kenya set their historic 10th final in 17 editions after they overcame Cameroon 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22) in the semifinal in front of 4000 spectators supporting the defending champions.
Algeria stopped the Senegalese winning streak as they won the other semifinal 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-22).
Kenya will be seeking their ninth crown after 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013 while Algeria will be eager for the second title after 2009.
In the play off 5 to 8 positions Morocco hammered Botswana 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-12) to meet their neighbours Tunisia for the 5th and 6th standings after the latter overcame Mauritius 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14). Botswana face Mauritius for the 7th and 8th positions.
Semifinal 1-4
Kenya v Cameroon 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22)
In front of exited spectators, outside hitters Everline Makuto and Mercy Moim led the hosts to beat Cameroon 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22) after they disturbed all the defensive strategy of their opponent. The Kenyan team led the net action with the solid block of Ruth Jepengetich and Backcides Khadambi to prevent Cameroon from using their strong attackers.
Although Cameroon came close in the first set and even led frequently with 3 point deficit, but they couldn’t maintain due to the strong disciplined attacks from the Kenyans who led the situation completely afterwards.
Algeria v Senegal 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-22)
Algeria surprised dark horses Senegal with the change of strategy depending on the quick attacks led by the center Lydia Oloumou to deceive the Senegalese blockers. They led widely in the first and second sets using also the high performance of the outside hitter Safa Boukhaima who was the match scorer with 15 points. Senegal tried to come back in the third set as they did in all their matches in the first round, but the Algerians kept their pressure using the nervous state off their opponents to keep leading till they won the match in straight sets.
Play off 5-8
Morocco v Botswana 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-12)
Morocco played their best in the competition beat Botswana 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-12) in the play off 5 to 8 positions. Morocco qualified to play for the 5th and 6th positions against Tunisia, while Botswana are set play for the 7th and 8th positions against Mauritius.
The Moroccan setter Alexandra Erhart played the greatest role in this victory not only for her skilful setting, but also with her unstoppable services that aid her team to put a persistent pressure on the opponent. The game started tight with Botswana deploying their block in the first and second sets against the Moroccan attacks, before the latter had the full dominance
Tunisia v Mauritius 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-14)
Tunisia overwhelmed completely in all skills to pull off a straight sets victory (25-13, 25-17, 25-14) over Mauritius. the wing spiker Jihen Mohamed ed the scorers with 17 points as the Tunisians depend on the strong attackers using the spaces between the blockers.
Ranking 5 to 8 positions Schedule on Thursday 18 June
7 and 8 positions
14:00: Botswana v Manutius
5 and 6 positions
16:00: Tunisia v Morocco
Finals on Saturday June 20
Bronze medal
14:00 : Senegal v Cameroon
16:00 : Kenya v Algeria
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