Kenya Claim Historic 9th African Nations Volleyball Crown In Style

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Final

Best Setter of the Championship Wacu serving

African powerhouses Kenya claimed their 9th historic Africa title after beating the North African giants Algeria 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-20) in the final of 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday.

Both finalists Kenya and Algeria already secured the 2 African Tickets for 2015 FIVB World Cup to be staged in Japan August 22 to September 6.

Kenya added their 9th title and third in a row to their studded history after 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2013, while Algeria remain with a single victory in 2009.

Bronze medallists Cameroon

Cameroon captured the bronze medals following their thrilling victory over struggling Senegal 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 14-25, 25-13, 17-15) in epic tiebreaker.

The closing ceremony was attended by CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani, Kenyan Minister of Sports Hassan Wario, Kenya Commissioner of Sports Goduin Oluoch, CAVB vice president and Kenya VB Federation President Waithaka Kioni, Control Committee President Camelo Antao, SOC Delegates Gustave Nkurunziza, William Nhlapo and Referee Delegate Mohamed Lazeroug.

Silver medallists Algeria

Final
Kenya v Algeria 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-20)

Kenya announced their intention of winning their ninth title with the first ball. Evelyn Makuto sent the ball across opponent side with a powerful attack and a second by Esther Wangeci helped them take a 2-0 lead but a gritty Algeria forced a 2-2 tie to send some chill down the spines of expectant crowd that turned up for the match.

Algerian setter, Oukari Zahra was punished for lifting the ball and the mistake helped Kenya take an 8-5 lead into the first technical timeout.

Kenya further stretched their lead 13-7, 18-10, 21-15 but a poor service by Makuto and a block from Algeria’s Lydia Oloumou helped the visitors score two points to take the score 21-17. The host would then put a break on Algeria’s attempt to win their second African title when they wrapped the first set 25-17.

Kasarani Gymnasium was filled to the brim and those fans who came late were locked out from catching the action inside the 6,000 capacity Arena which could not accommodate more spectators.

Algeria started strongly the second set, taking a 4-2 lead but Kenya, who played their 10th final caught up with the runaway leaders 5-5. Algeria seems to have learnt how to neutralise the opposition and with short balls and strong back court defence, they walked side by side- 8-7, 10-10, 12-13 with the host despite an intimidating crowd.

Algeria crept back into the match despite surrendering 12-15 when they cut the lead to within one point having caught up with Kenya 17-17 but a small pep talk by Kenyan coach David Lung’aho after a time out saw his side marginally win the set 25-21.

Algeria forced Kenya to commit silly mistakes, which saw them take an 8-4 lead at the first technical timeout of the third set. Jane Wacu, Kenyan setter who was ineffective in this set was pulled out for Janet Wanja and Kenya’s services improved to help the bridge a five point. lead (10-5) to three at 10-7.

All was well for Algeria until the last 10 minutes of the game when Kenya mounted a strong attack to which helped the caught up with Algeria 18-18 having trailed 7-12, 9-15, 13-17 only to win their ninth crown with a 25-20.

CAVB President with Bronze medallists Cameroon

Bronze Medal
Cameroon v Senegal 3-2 (25-19, 23-25, 14-25, 25-13, 17-15)

Cameroon took the opening set 25-19 but their defence weakened in the subsequent set allowing Senegal to take the lead from the first service to open a 8-3 lead. But with the match tied 23-23, Amadou Sene introduced Ndiaye Bineta in place of Seck Mbayang who won a vital point when she forced a block; and a poor service from Cameroon’s Bikatal Simone who served the net to give helped Senegal come back to the game after. Diagne Marieme killed the set with a powerful spike after Cameroonians failed to go for the blocks to help Senegal level the scores 1-1 following a 25-23 win.

Senegal’s Seck Mbayang and Marieme erected firm blocks sending the side to an 8-2 lead. Akono’s charges were tensed and lost concentration in the set resulting to poor reception to allow Senegal run away with a 25-14 win.

CAVB President and the Kenyan Minister of Sport in the VIP area

Senegal was dealt an injury blow when Mbayang twisted her right ankle and the bilingual nation, Cameroon took advantage to dominate the fourth set, cruising to a 16-7 upper hand. Laxity in Sene’s camp helped Cameroon clinch the set to send the game to the deciding fifth set.

It was a neck to neck battle in the rally set but poor services by Senegal gifted Cameroon win the match 17-15 to win the match 3-2 (25-19, 23-25,14-25, 25-23,17-15)

The best Players of the Championship

Individual Awards

Best Setter: Jane Wachu (Kenya)

Best Receiver: Moma Bassoko (Cameroon)

Best Libero: Nafula Wanyama (Kenya)

Best Attacker: Fatou Diuock (Senegal)

Best Blocker: Ruth Jepngetich (Kenya)

Best Server: Lydia Oloumou (Algeria)

MVP: Everline Makuto (Kenya)

The winners with the officials

Final Ranking

Kenya

Algeria

Cameroon

Senegal

Tunisia

Morocco

Mauritius

Botswana

Kenya blocking against Algeria

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Tunisia Claim 5th Place At Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championships

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Ranking 5 to 8

Tunisia claimed the fifth place at the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship after they beat their neighbours Morocco 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21) in the 5th and 6th place match held at Kasarani Hall in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday.

Mauritius set the first win in their last day as they flew past Botswana 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21) in the 7th and 8th position match to claim the 7th.

Kenya is set to meet Algeria in the final o the competition on Saturday to determine the African representative in the FIVB World Cup,. Senegal face Cameroon for the bronze medal

Tunisia in timeout

Ranking 5 and 6 places
Tunisia v Morocco 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21)

Tunisia started leading widely with their proper attacking strategy using the wing attacker where they could penetrate the Moroccan defence to win the set 25-16. Tunisia continued their superiority to win the second set, but after a great struggle form the Moroccan team. The Tunisian team’s performance was shacked in the thirds set, while the Moroccan team improved their blocking and backline defence to win the set 25-21 after the skillful setting by Alexandra Erhart led the combinations. Tunsiai came back to win the fourth set 25-21 and the match 3-1.

Mauritius celebrating their victory

Ranking 7 and 8 places
Botswana v Mauritius 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21)

Mauritius came aggressively from a set behind to win their competition first match against Botswana 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21) in 101 minutes.

With their lone victory Mauritius finished the competition in the 7th place leaving Botswana in the 8th position. The winners revenged to their lose with the same score in the pool stage. Gasekgonwe led Botswana to win the first set after a great spikes and fighting spirit. Mauritus came back aggressively as their spiker Nathalie Letendre fought with Joanita Latour to come back in the second set and draw 1-1 before they used they motivations to continue the same rhythm in the third and fourth sets till they won the match 3-1.

Mauritius spiking aginst Botswana

Finals on Saturday June 20
Bronze medal

14:00 : Senegal v Cameroon
Final
16:00 : Kenya v Algeria

Kenya And Algeria Set To Repeat Classic Women’s African Volleyball Champs Final

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.

Kenya celebrating

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’s Aisha Mezmate blcoking against Senegal

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.

Morocco celebrating

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

Jihen Mohamed Tunisia spiking

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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Kenya-Cameroon, Algeria-Senegal At Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship Semis

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.

Cameroon team

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.

The Algerian team

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.

Kenyan team

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

Senegal team

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

Senegal’s Captain Fatou’s Eye On African Nations Podium ‏

Senegal captain Fatou Diouck has expressed her delight after guiding her team to the semifinals of the 2015 Women’s Africa Nations Championship, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Just like their first two Group B matches against Cameroon and Tunisia, the Senegalese side rallied from two sets down to beat Morocco 3-2 (23-25,22-25,25-9,25-18,15-9) and book a date with Algeria in the semifinals slated for Wednesday at the Kasarani, Gymnasium.

” We came as underdogs, but we are yet to accomplish the mission that brought us here. From our first match, the first two sets proved to be difficult but the comeback has been impressive. It was a sweet victory,” said the Thailand based opposite.

Fatou Diouck was a key factor in her team’s victory

“We have one step to go before the finals, but we are not taking anybody for granted. We will give our best and God will do the rest. There is no relaxation time and we are ready for any opponent.”

Fatou emerged as one of the best outside hitters in the tournament and was the key factor in her team’s qualification to semifinal. Senegal haven’t been in the Podium in the last 16 editions of the competition and now with the guidance of their captain they seek one of the top three positions in their history.

Senegal will meet Algeria in the semis, while Kenya will battle with Cameroon in the other semis.

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Kenya, Senegal, Algeria And Cameroon Through To Semifinal Of Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 4

Hosts and defending champions Kenya along with Algeria, Cameroon and Dark horses Senegal booked their tickets to the semifinal of the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship after they all achieved victories in day 4 at the end of the group stage held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday.

The 8 time African Champions Kenya continued their victories with clean sheet as they cruised past Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18) to improve their win- loss ratio in Pool A to 3-0 and continued as the only team who didn’t drop a set in the preliminary round.

The Algerian team

Kenya will be joined by Algeria from the same pool to semis after the latter clinched their second win over Mauritius 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 26-24) to improve to 2-1. Botswana came third with 1-2 record and Mauritius finished at the bottom of the table with 0-3.

Senegal continued their thrilling come back for the third match in a row as they came as usual from two sets behind to beat the emerging Morocco team 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-9, 25-18, 15-9) to lead Pool B with 3-0 and 6 points. Cameroon came back to their optimum performance on time to beat Tunisia 3-2 (15-25, 25-18, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13) and clinch the semifinal slot. Tunisia came third in Pool B with 1-2 record ahead of Morocco who finished fourth.

Now Algeria will meet pool B leaders Senegal in one of the semifinals on Wednesday with hosts and defending champions Kenya playing Cameroon who finished second in pool B.

In the Play off 5 to 8 positions Botswana faces Morocco, while Tunisia line up against Mauritius,

Mauritius during the national Anthem

Pool A
Kenya v Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18)
Algeria v Mauritius 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 26-24)

Kenya used their talented players to beat Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18). Kenyan coach David Lung’aho is expecting a tough duel against a tricky Cameroonian side and he will be spending Tuesday’s rest day to try and analyze west Africans game as he prepares errase 2014 memory of local fans after Kenya lost a world championship qualifiers to Tunisia. Some fans are yet to forgive Lung’aho for letting the ticket slid off his hands but he may win back their loyalty if he can take Kenya to Japan’s world Cup.

Cameroon have excellent attacks and blocks but Lung’aho will try to take advantage of their slow game to win point. “We just need to compose ourselves and receive well; I know most of their players are not fast and we would want to capitalize on that” said Lung’aho.

Algeria played with most of their list to capture the second win over Botswana 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-18). The Algerian coach Francois Salvagni used most of the substitutes in the third set but he was obligated to return back to his main stars to save the set and keep the straight sets win.

Tunisian team during the national anthem

Pool B
Senegal v Morocco 3-2 (23-25, 22-25, 25-9, 25-18, 15-9)
Cameroon v Tunisia 3-2 (15-25, 25-18, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13)

Senegal who were seeded third in group ‘B, considered pool of ‘death’ at the start of championship topped the group having won all their three matches by identical 3-2 sets. In all the matches, Senegal pulled a late comeback in the third sets to turn around their games which has earned them the title ‘Queens of comeback’

“We don’t know why we always comeback late in the game because during team talks before any match we always tell ourselves to take the lead but that doesn’t happen, maybe we’ll need to be in front in our semifinal match against Kenya,” Senegal’s dependable player Fatou Diouck observed.

Cameroon team after the victory against Tunisia

Asked about her hopes of playing Kenya in the finals, Fatou added: “I prefer to play Kenya in the final than Algeria. I love playing here; I love the people and they love our team too but I would really want to have a different feeling playing Kenya in front of their home fans.”

Algeria though are favorites ahead of the championship but Senegal’s head coach Amadou Sene plan to organise their game by playing fast balls.

Cameroon came from a set down to book a semi final berth in a dramatic 3-2 (25-15, 18-25, 28-26, 24-26, 15-13) win over Tunisia in their final group B match. Cameroon had only trained together for one week before the championship and coach Akono Jean Rene was satisfied by her players performances in the match.

“I am not expecting much in our next match because we never trained as a team for long,” noted Rene.

The competition’s referees with the referee Delegate Mohamed Lazroug

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

Senegal Upset Tunisia As Kenya Continue Victories At Women’s African Volleyball Champs

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 3

Nairobi, Kenya, June 14, 2015- Senegal surprised the Kenyan crowd with a second in a row come back over the giants Tunisia this time 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12) in Day 3 of the 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship held at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Sunday.

Now Dark horses Senegal led 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).

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 while Kenya took their group A point tally to six with an easy 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) win over arch rivals Algeria.

Botswana 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 the set ratio.

Senegal Women National Volleyball team.

Pool A
Kenya v Algeria 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-29)

Kenya coach David Lung’aho did not make any changes to his starting lineup from the one that beat Mauritius in their opening match last Friday, preferring Janet Wanja ahead of Jane Wacu in the setter’s place with Evelyn Makuto and Mercy Moim on the left while Lydia Maiyo started ahead of Esther Wangeci on the right.

Captain Praxcides Agala provided blocks from the center with Elizabeth Wanyama as a receiver and their well oiled efforts won the opening set 25-20 against Algeria who tried to catch up with their opponent late into the set to no avail.

Mercy Moim who plays for Liga Poloski in the Finnish league was on her best form, sending hard balls to the opposite court which helped a well oiled ‘MALKIA STRIKERS cage Algeria who denied them an Olympic slot in the 2012 qualifiers.

Algeria took the first lead of the second set 10-8 but an attack by Moim and a block by Jane Wacu helped Kenya narrow the gap to within one point before Ruth Jepng’etich sent back an over received ball to Algeria’scourt to tie the scores 14-14. Kenya regained the lead at the second technical Timeout (TTO) 16-15 before wrapping up the set with a 25-22. The third set was equally easy for the hosts who won 25-19 to book an early semi final place with a match against Botswana on Monday.

The contol Committee

Botswana v Mauritius 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15)

Botswana recovered from their 3-1 loss to Algeria in the opening match to beat Mauritius 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15) in their second match.

Botswana who lost Daisy Golekanya Saturday to an ankle injury won the opening set 25-22 but Mauritius came back into the game in the second set having trailed west African 6-8 at the first technical time out but the Islanders took over the lead after the second technical time out to garner a slim win of 25-23.

Mauritius weaned out in the third and fourth set even with a much better receptions and services compared to their opponents who relied heavily on individual brilliance from left attacker Tracy Chaba to score points.

Chaba will however need to to improve her back court coverage and services in their next match against Kenya to fulfill her dream of steering her side to the semis.

“We want to play better and possibly meet Kenya in the final,” Chaba who plays for Kutlwano in Botswana said after their lose to Algeria in their opening match.

Botswana has been boosted by the inclusion of three players Molefha Karobo, ‘who had social problem in 2014), Gasekgonwe Gaolesetse and Chaba who was just recovering from an injury having missed the world championship qualifiers staged in Nairobi 2013.

Samuel Isaac who has scaled the leadership ladder at the helm of Botswana having joined in 2007 as a trainer before being promoted to the assistant coach position in 2010 praised his players for the hard fought win.

“That was a good match; Mauritius are good in defence but I like the character of my players. They fought very hard to win this match,” said Isaac who was confirmed as Botswana head coach in 2014.

Isaac who has tremendously transformed the team from a long-slow to a fast flowing short ball type of play added: “I will work on the psychological aspect of my players ahead of our match against Kenya which is a very tough opponent.

Jane Wacu of Kenya sets

Pool B
Senegal v Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-12)

Senegal pulled a late comeback in the third set to beat Tunisia 3-2 (14-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-13) in group B to keep alive their chances of progressing to semis. This was Senegal’s second win having pulled another comeback in their 3-2 win over Cameroon in their first match Saturday.

“When we left Senegal our main aim was to be in the podium,” Senegalese coach Amadou Sene who is looking forward to a Kenya-Senegal final said after the match. Sene however heaped praise on his outside hitter turned receiver, Dacosta Binetou who arrived in Nairobi from USA a day before the games serves off.

“It was a bit hard for me moving from a hitter to a reciever but I’ve come to like it,” Dacosta, an Accounts student who turned 20 last month noted.

“I have full trust in her. She has good catch and that helped us a lot in the last three sets,” Sene who once coach Dicosta at club Sococim said of the player whose extra ordinary performance in the third and fourth sets helped Senegal overturn a two-nil lead to win the match 3-2.

Cameroon v Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20)

In another match, Cameroon bounced back with a win over Morocco in anothet tightly contested group ‘B’ duel. Cameroon won their first match against Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-20) having lost the opener 2-3 to Senegal.

This was Morocco’s second lose which came barely 15 hours after they went down to Tunisia in their opening match Saturday

Kenya team celebrating

Match Schedule on Monday 15 June

Tunisia vs Cameroon (10am),
Morocco vs Senegal (12pm)
Algeria vs Mauritius (2pm)
Kenya vs Botswana (4pm)

Tunisia stun Morocco as Algeria win over Botswana at Women’s African Nations

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 2

Algeria warmed up for their much awaited clash against host Kenya on Sunday with a 3-1 (25-17, 17-25, 25-20,25-15) victory against Botswana on day two of the women’s Africa Cup of Nations Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday.

Algeria who had a month long training in Italy as part of their preparation to the championship, to qualify one African team to the world Cup in Japan started the match on a high tempo winning the opening set 25-17 in a packed Gymnasium.

Botswana who took part in the 2015 Rwanda Genocide Memorial tournament last week in Kigali on their way to Kenya re-grouped in the subsequent set which they led from the first whistle to the last only to level the score one-all with a 25-17 to throw the game wide open.

The third set was a cracker with both team exchanging leads but ‘Mafolofolo’ were dented a blow when center blocker Daisy Golekanye picked an ankle injury with the southerners up on their north African colleagues heels (17-18) but Algeria took advantage of a weaker defence department to win the set 25-20.

Tracy Chaba who plays for Kutlwano back in Botswana was no match for Algeria in the second set where she provided excellent services and attacks which gave the opponents hard time in the reception but her effort did very little to propell her side to victory when they lost the last set 25-15.

“Daisy is one of the senior players with excellent blocks and because Algeria are very good in attacks, her blocks kept them at bay. The injury was a a big blow to us. When she left the court, the team went down, “noted Chaba who once played club volleyball in Algeria with Marshall Bilatex.

Italian Francoise Salvagni who took charge of Algeria after a successful one month stint with the side following a recommendation by FIVB immediately turned his attention to the upcoming match against Kenya Sunday evening.

“I know Kenya very well and the fact that they will be playing before their fans will even make this match the best of the tournament. Tomorrow’s match (Sunday) will be a small war and we are ready because we prepared for a bigger war,” said Salvagni.

Algeria captain Fatima Zahra interviewed by the BBC

Tunisia beat Morocco

Tunisia came from a set down to beat Morocco 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-21, 25-13) in the second match at the 6,000 sitter Gymnasium. Samir Dcha who has been with the Moroccan side for barely a year drew lessons from their loss but was full of praise of his players who he described as ‘very young and inexperienced’

“I don’t know what to expect from Cameroon but I just want my players to forget about today’s loss and concentrate on the coming match,”

Morocco who has missed the last two editions of this Cup is building a team for future championships with an eye on the next All Africa Games.

“We have young squad who just played together for the first time about two months ago but I want to build a team for four or five years to come with main aim being qualifying for the next All Africa Games in 2019.” added Ocha.

Four matches will be played on Sunday with Cameroon taking on Morocco, Kenya versus Algeria while Botswana will clash with Mauritius as Senegal play Tunisia.

Elvince Joshhua from Kenya

Senegal, Kenya Win African Nations Volleyball Champs Openers

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship- Day 1

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 on day one of the 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship that served off Friday in Nairobi, Kenya.

Senegal who came onto the match as minnows surprised Cameroon, seeded top in group B when they stopped Akono Jean Rene charges at the second set with Cameroon enjoying an early (25-20,27-25) lead in the first two sets.

Senegalese Captain Diouck Fatou and her opposite, Sow Binetou came back into the third set after a 10 minute break to steer Senegal to a 25-16 victory with nice executions aided by defence from Dacosta Binetou and Biaye Bineta to take the game 2-1.

Fatou who won Silver with Norkhornnont in the Thailand’s league praised her team mates for the dramatic win in a post match interview.

“We took time to adapt in the first two sets because we came late for the warm up and the referee didn’t give us enough time to warm,” said Fatou who has also played in France and Finland.

Senegal Women National Volleyball team.

Defending champions and hosts Kenya beat Mauritius by straight sets (25-12, 25-13, 25-17) in a one sided second match of the day played at the 6,000 sitter Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Kenya, otherwise known locally as ‘MALKIA STRIKERS’ who are using this championship as a build up to the June 26th world Grand Prix in Mexico- won the match (25-12, 25-13, 25-17).

Kenyan coach, David Lung’aho made changes to his starting list, pulling out assistant captain, Janet Wanja for Jane Wacu with Esther Wangeci coming in for Lydia Maiyo on the right attack position but the gamble almost cost the team the third set when they allowed Mauritius to take the first lead, immediately after the first technical time out which the host were leading (8-7). Mauritius maunted scathing attacks on Kenya who surrendered the lead for the first time (9-8), with the two teams going head-to-head 10-10,11-11, 13-13, 14-14. But with local fans rallying fully behind them, defending champions, Kenya who are searching for a record ninth title opened a two point gap 17-15 before winning the match 25-17.

“We laxed after the second set but the most important thing is to win the opening match. Maybe next time we will not sit on the bench at the (10 minute) break, it almost cost us a set, ” Kenyan coach, Lung’aho observed after the match.

Mauritius Captain, Nathalie Letendrie who has played for the national team for the last 13 years said. “That was nice match but we respect the other team. This is the first time we are playing in an international match; we came here to have experience.” said the Captain who plays for Azur Sporting Club back at home.

Jane Wacu of Kenya sets

Coach Lindlay Wilson who has been with the Mauritius side for only six months observed: “That was a very difficult game because we were playing against Africa champions. Going forward, I just want to win two more games and progress as the tournament goes on.”

Tunisia will open their title campaign against Morocco Saturday with Botswana clashing with Senegal. Kenya will play her second match on Sunday against Algeria, starting 4pm and Lung’aho plans to play a fast match against the side who denied them 2012 Olympic slot.

The match will proceed a clash between Tunisia against Senegal (2pm) and Botswana versus Mauritius which will open the day from 12 noon.

By Elvince Joshua from Kenya

CAVB web site http://www.cavb.org

Dates And Organizer Confirmed For 2015 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship

2015 Women’s African Nations Championship

African Volleyball Confederation declared the final dates and organizer of the 2015 Women’s African Nations Championship. Kenya was selected to host the event in Nairobi June 10 to 21, 2015.

The competition will also act as a qualifier for the 2015 FIVB Women’s World Cup to be hosted in Japan August 22 to September 6, 2015.

7 time champions Kenya is the defending champions as they won the last title in their homelands in 2013.

All the major forces are expected to show in the final including The two African representatives in the 2014 FIVB World Championship Cameroon and Tunisia, Giants Egypt, Algeria and the emerging Senegal.

Cameroonian players celebrating

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