Hosts Kenya will face the emerging Cameroon in a thrilling encounter at 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship semifinal, while dark horses Senegal want to continue their campaign in the other semi against favourites Algeria at Kasarani Sports Complex on Wednesday.
After rebounding back from 2 sets behind and claiming three epic tiebreaker victories, Senegal led by captain and efficient outside hitter Fatou Diouck is looking for their first ever final at the prestigious African competition, but it will not be easy against the experiences of the Algerian team led by the historic setter Fatma Oukazi.
In their way to the semifinal, Senegal suffered in all their Pool matches of being regularly two sets behind before turning to victory against the 2014 World Championship finalists Cameroon, then they do the same against Tunisia and Morocco in the following encounters to lead the strong Pool B with three tough wins.
Senegal’s best performance in the history of the competition was 2 years ago when they finished fourth, but this time they came through with new hopes of gaining their first title or at least finish between the top three positions in the podium. Senegal owe to their spiker Diouck to achieve the dream after her marvelous performance in the first round.
Algeria who have one title under their name in 2009 need to return back to their superiority in the continent with the leader of this generation setter Oukazi and the experienced middle blocker Lydia Oloumou. Beside the title in 2009 Algeria had 2 silver medals in 2007 and 2011 and one bronze in 1989. The algerians finished second of Pool A after two victories over Botswana and Mauritius and a defeat against the hosts.
In front of expected full house, Kenya meet Cameroon at 16:00 local time aiming to set their 10th final in 17 editions of the competition. The new generation led by the veteran setters Janet Wanja and Jane Wachu as well as the emerging center blocker Ruth Jepengetich is aiming to continue their successful adventure and achieve their ninth title in 17 editions and the third in a row.
Kenya passed the first round with the clean sheet of three straight sets victories.
The World Championship finalists Cameroon are thinking of their first gold medal after the renewal of their line-up with numerous new players among them 5 French based stars. Cameroon have 2 silver and 5 bronze medals before but still seeking their first gold.
Beside the 2 semifinal matches the competition features also 2 matches in the play off 5 to 8 positions as Botswana face Morocco at 10:00 and Tunisia face Mauritius at 12:00
Semifinal Match Schedule on Wednesday 17 June
Play off 5 to 8
10:00 : Botswana v Morocco
12:00: Tunisia v Mauritius
Semifinal 1 to 4
14:00 : Senegal v Algeria
16:00 : Kenya v Cameroon
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