Volleyball dominated Kenya’s Annual Sports Awards, scooping six of the 20 honours in Nairobi. For the first time in the history of these awards, which was started 12 years ago by former world (Athletics) marathon record holder Paul Tergat, Volleyball which is still playing catch up with other popular sports in Kenya like Athletics, Football and Rugby-ruled the podium when they were called six times to collect various trophies.
Local Federation KVF lead by Waithaka Kioni retained the best Federation of the year for their development of Volleyball locally.
KVF beat the Rowing, Canoeing and Boxing Associations to the award to win it for the second year in a row.
David Lung’aho who coached Kenya to win a record ninth Africa Nations Cup, FIVB world Grand Prix Group three first place and a historic two wins at the FIVB world Cup in Japan was voted coach of the year.
That team which beat Peru in the Grand Prix title beat their colleagues who won gold at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo, Brazzaville to the first spot in the team of the year category.
Squad member, outside hitter Mercy Moim came second to Hyvin Kiyeng in the overall women’s Sports Person of the year.
Kenya celebrate Group 3 Gand Prix win
Veteran and Beach Volleyball player, Ednah Rotich was feted for her role of mentoring and supporting local talents.
The Kenya Commercial Bank player was voted the Community Heroine of the year.
The awards were clear testament that Volleyball in on an upward trajectory in the Kenya.
Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) has overhauled the national men’s squad ahead of the forthcoming Olympics qualifiers. Newly appointed National men’s volleyball team head coach Paul Gitau who took over from Geoffrey Omondi overlooked experienced players when he named his provisional 22-man squad over the weekend.
Gitau who won gold with the junior women’s team at this year’s African Games in Congo, Brazzaville seems to have drawn inspiration from working with young players when he dropped a dozen of player who took part in the last Africa Nations Championship in Egypt.
Those who faced the axe are Captain Philip Maiyo who joined Qataris champions-Al Rayyan Sports Club from Al-Arabi this season. His former assistant and first setter Elisha Aliwa of Kenya Defence Forces was not spared either by the new coach who also chopped Mike Chemos, fresh from signing with a Finnish club. The only ‘big wig’ who won Gitau’s heart is Jame Ontere who is based in Japan. Ontere’s contribution to his local side Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) who top the men’s national league standing heading into the playoffs plays pro-Volley with Oita Miyoshi in Japanese V-League.
Nairobi Water trio, setter Elijah Bosire, left attacker James Mwaniki and libero Fredrick Mwangi who steered the side to a fifth finish in national league regular season in their debut season in the top tier league lead the young crop of players drafted in the squad as Kenya seek to build a squad for future assignment after several years of poor result in the men’s competition.
While Gitau’s selection may be questionable considering the importance of the assignment ahead, that unfamiliar decision can be interpreted as a step by the local federation’s attempt to try and keep up with the likes of Rwanda and Egypt who have given them tough times at the continental or regional stage.
It was almost a complete overhaul in the setter position with only Kenya Prisons youthful Nicholas Lagat making a return to the squad. Both Aliwa and his Kenya Prisons’ mate Daniel Kiptoo were shown the door. Bosire and Tom Wanjala from Bungoma County took their places.
David Kirwa and Maiyo were axed on the right attackers position with Solomon Bitok being recalled back to the team alongside Ontere, Martin Kiptoo of Coop Bank and Nafula Chumba from Kenya Defence Force.
Kenya men’s Volleyball team
Only Cooperative Bank’s Ronald Bitok was reconsidered in the Centre blocking position. Both Hudson Chesoli, Wesley Rono, Ronald Kirwa, Dennis Mokua were shown the door. The new faces for that position include Prisons Mombasa’s Jimmy Ngala who was chopped from the last squad by coach Geoffrey Omondi and Gideon Kirwa of Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Ports Authority’s Sammy Ngeny, Rodgers Kipkirui and Shadrack Misiko
On the left, the sword fell on Nicolas Kiplagat, Bonventry Wekesa and Michael Njoroge. The position however saw the return of Cornelius Kiplangat (GSU) who will be fighting for the same place with Mwaniki, David Thuita (Forest Rangers), Sila Kipruto and Jairus Kipkosgei both of Prisons.
Gitau also did away with liberos Peter Kibata and Faustine Baraza but handed Muiruri, one of the best upcoming liberos a chance alongside James Mutero and Sam Juma.
Kenya has made only two changes to the triumphant Women’s Volleyball team that won 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix Group Three final in Australia last month as they kick start their preparation for the world Cup o be held in Japan from August 22 to September 6th.
Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) setter Farida Efumbi and Bilha Jepchirchir are the new inclusions in the Malkia Strikers squad that reported to camp early this week after a short break following their historic win at the Grand Prix.
After weeks of push and pull between players and the local Federation on which championship (African Games and world Cup) should the senior team (A) take part in, players finally bowed to pressure when they reported to camp at Kasarani early this week in readiness for the Japan’s competition.
The local heroines who stunned the world when they beat Peru 3-1 (21-25,25-17, 25-22, 25-23) to win Kenya’s first International trophy since 1991 since their first International championship-world championship where they finished 13th.
As they return to the world cup for the fifth time, David Lung’aho side will have a heavy burden on their shoulder-the expectant crowd back at Home will be keenly following their performance in Japan, where they’ll be seeking their first win in five attempts.
Japan has never been that kind to Kenya. In their first appearance way back in 1991, they managed 12th position. Kenya which is yet to win a single match at this games then finished 11th in 1995 and 12th again in 2007 and 2011.//
Most of these players, to be lead by veteran captain, Praxcides Agala, first called to the national team in 2004 and her assistant Janet Wanja will be returning to Japan with a lot of hope and confidence following Kenya’s recent surge of form which also saw them lift their ninth African Nations Championship held last May in Nairobi.
The senior team is training together with their junior side that will be seeking their fifth Gold at the African Games set to be held in Congo, Brazzaville from September 4-19.
Kenya National men’s team head coach, Geoffrey Omondi has named a strong provisional squad of 16 for the forthcoming CAVB men’s African Nations Championship set to take place from July 22-30 in Cairo, Egypt.
Omondi who last guided Kenya to a second finish at the All Africa Games Qualifiers in Rwanda included two new faces Gideon Kirwa and Ronald Bitok in the Kenya squad that begun their preparation Wednesday with the coach remaining confident that his team which will be led by Qatari based Captain Philip Maiyo with assistance of Kenya Defence Forces setter Elisha Aliwa who has since recovered from an ankle injury he sustained just a few days before Rwandan games will post positive results in Egypt.
The new faces, Bitok and Kirwa replaced Kenya Prisons duo of Silas Kipruto and Rodgers Kipkirui who are undergoing Police Training with Kenya Prisons Service after they were recruited into the service two months ago while Jimmy Ngala of Kenya Ports Authority and Ibrahim Oduor who captained Kenya in her last assignment, All Africa Games qualifiers in Rwanda were also dropped.
Ngala was dropped from the final squad that lost to Rwanda in May while Kenya Prisons Captain Oduor, who was included in the Rwanda squad on the last minute after national team Captain, Philip Maiyo pulled out of the competition on the final day had no place for Omondi who went for a cocktail of young and experienced players.
Kenya’s Senior National Volleyball team
“We will only have five day training and it will be expensive to call a player all the way from Mombasa then drop him after five days,” said Omondi who will only train the team for five days before leaving for Cairo. The coach also called junior, Peterson Kimani to gain experience at the national team level.
Apart from the new inclusion, the squad wil also be welcoming Maiyo who plays for Al-Arabi Qatar and James Ontere (Oita Miyoshi of Japan) who missed the last assignment that held in Rwanda.
Kenya’s major opponents will be hosts Egypt who qualified to the final of FIVB World Championship after winning Group Three and Paul Bitok coached Rwanda who denied Kenya the AAG ticket just two months ago.
The men’s team which rarely competes at major international competitions unlike their female counterpart, Malkia Strikers, currently in Australia for the World Grand Prix group three semi final will have a big burden to match that kind of performance in Cairo championship whose winner will represent Africa at the world Cup later in October.
Men’s squad
Setters: Daniel kip too, Elisha Aliwa and Nicolas Langat
Right attackers: David Kirwa, Phillip Maiyo and James Ontere
Centers: Hudson Chesoli, Wesley Rono, Ronald Kirwa, Dennis Mokua, Ronald Bitok
Libero: Peter Kabatu, Fredrick Muiruru and Faustine Baraza
Left attackers: Nicolas Kiplagat, Bonventry Wekesa and Michael Njoroge
Geoffrey Omondi- Head coach, David Muthui- Ass coach
Senegalese Volleyball Star, Fatou Diouck is a name that made a bright show at the just concluded 2015 Africa Nations Championship to win the prize of best spiker at the end of the tournament as she was more popular than the Kenyan stars who eventually won the title.
Fatou is currently one of the most sought-after African women Volleyball player, but her journey to the top started like a joke, about 16 years ago while walking on the streets of Rufisque, Senegal- a walk that was never easy but with a lot of positives to draw from.
Fatou Diouck Senegal hitter
The Senegalese star signed a two year deal this week with a top Azerbaijan club, Azerrail that will see her play at the European Champion League 2015/2016 to add another thrilling feature for her career.
The player who put a side her childhood dream of becoming a professional Athlete while growing up in Rafisque to fully take up Volleyball met a ‘stranger’ who would turns out to be Amdou Sene, the current Senegal’s women’s Volleyball team head coach.
“I always wanted to be a runner, maybe because of my slender physique but we live over 27 km away from the City (Rufisque) and my mother could not manage to send me to the nearest (Athletics) training camp in the city,” she recalled her childhood dream conquering track and field.
“One day while walking on the streets, I met a coach and he asked me if I wanted to play volleyball and I said YES,” Fatou who fell in love with Volleyball, a non contact sport as opposed to football which is famous in the west African nation remembers her long journey into the court during in an exclusive interview.
The Senegalese dependable player steered her country to a fourth place finish in her second appearance at the Africa Cup in Nairobi where she won the hearts of local fans. “I love playing in Nairobi, the fans are cheerful and they love our team too so I always make it a point to give back to them by playing good Volleyball,” Fatou who celebrated her 30th birthday two weeks ago said of the City she played in 2007 in her first appearance at the Africa Nations Championship.
“I used to play (Volleyball) with men and all my idols are men players. I follow what they do and try to put it into practice when I’m playing and I find it easy, maybe that’s what makes me different from the rest of the female players,” she revealed with a broad smile.
Apart from the fact that she will be carrying Senegal’s flag at the championship league, Fatou who loves Mushroom Soup would want to take up a coaching role when she hangs up her shoes.
Fatou Diouck
“I have an offer from Cape Verde to coach but I still want to play, maybe for two or three more years before taking up coaching,” added the player who holds a level one coaching Certificate.
Fatou Diouck was a member of Finnish Polkky Kuusamo. Before joining the league in Finland, she played for Quimper Volley 29 (France). she also played for Thailand’s Nokhornnont 3BB.
After clinching and sixth and seventh places at the women’s Africa Nations championship which comes to an end Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya, Morocco and Mauritius now shifts their attention to the 2016 Olympic games qualifiers and Indian Ocean Island Games respectively.
Exceptional back court coverage helped Mauritius win their first and only match of the ongoing Championship in Nairobi, Thursday when they beat Botswana 3-1 (17-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-21) to finish the competition on position seven having lost to them 3-0 at the group stages.
Captain Letendrie Nathalie and setter Chelumbem Venessa played their hearts out to steer the team to one of their greatest achievement of a team whose average age is 23
Nathalie whose main ambition is to one day help Mauritius qualify for the All Africa Games is targeting a medal for her country during the August 1-9 Islands’ Games to be held at the Reunion Island.
Mauritius during the national Anthem
“We have not won any medal in the last two competitions of the Island games and our first objective will be to win at least a medal first, then chose the color later,” added the Technical Consultant in Human Resource at Uniconsults Ltd in Curepipe, Mauritius.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Mauritius’ oldest player, Nathalie, 26 adding that “It is good to win after four loses and we will leave Kenya with a lot of lessons.”
Chellumben, a banker with Mauritius National Bank is following on the footsteps of her mother, Lysbie Chellamben who played for Mauritius national team a few years ago.
The 24 year old setter who was pulled from behind the teller straight to the national team without playing any competitive match last season said “I don’t have a club after leaving Curepipe Starlight Sports Club last year but we were motivated by the anger of success; we wanted to win at least one mach in this championship and we did it in style.”
Morocco celebrating
On the other hand, Morocco, playing their first Africa Nations championship after nine year absence improved their ranking by five places from the last edition where they finished 11th after as they finished sixth following a lose to Tunisia in the 5-6 place play offs.
“It feels good to improve in every championship and that should send warning to other teams that Morocco is back,” Samir Dchar, Moroccan coach warned the rest of Africa.
Morocco just had the national federation election where former volleyball star, Bouchra Hajij was elected as the President.
“We used to have poor support from the federation but voting in a former player has really changed things; she is really behind the team and now we just want to start preparing this team for the next Olympics qualifiers,” added Dchar.
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)
women’s Volleyball Africa Cup of Nation Championships folding up the curtains on Saturday, the event has given bare platform to coaches to scout for fresh talents ahead of the new FIVB calendar.
Among the coaches that have made their intentions known are the France based coach Toubani Atman who is in Nairobi and is attached to club Charmalier and national team assistant coach Japheth Munala who doubles as Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) reigning national league champions Kenya Pipeline head coach.
Kenyan players
Atman who signed Kenya Prisons women’s volleyball club duo of Jane Wacu (setter) and centre blocker Praxidise Agala last year before their contract elapsed in May, said he wants to acquire more players from Kenya.
Chamaliers has five foreign players from Kenya and Cameroon and Atman who has been with club for 16 years praised hid foreign legion whom he signs out for playing a major role in the clubs recent good performance.
“The five players played a major role in our promotion to division one from division two at the end of the last season. I want to bolster the squad ahead of the new season that serves off in October,” noted Atman.
He continued,” I hope that they-Wacu and Agala will renew their contract. Kenya is a powerhouse in Volleyball in Africa which have continued to churn out good players and that’s why I am here.”
Among the other players who feature for Charmalier club from Cameroun include left attacker Moma Bassoko, right attacker Tchoudjang Nana and centre player Fotso who are both playing for the Cameroon national team in the ongoing championship.
Cameroon players
Speaking after attending the afternoon training session of the Cameroun team, Atman revealed that he was interested in signing a right attacker from the Kenya team.
“That department was our main undoing in the last season and so am keen on that position. However, that does not tie me to only Kenya side, but also Cameroun and any other players from other nations.” observed the coach who leaves the country on Sunday.
Kenyan players who stand a strong chance in that position and are possible targets include Lydia Maiyo from Kenya Prisons and Esther Wangeci from Kenya Pipeline.
Meanwhile Munala has his eyes set on Botswana left attacker Tracy Chaba.Munala singled out Chaba whom he said has staged good performance in the entire championship and will definitely be happy to have her services.
“I will hold the meeting with my club management to discuss the development and if the deal goes through definitely we will have her next season.” noted Munala of the player who weighs 75Kg with 185 height
Reached for comment, Chaba said, ” Yes am aware a certain club in Kenya is interested in me. I would love to play in Kenya as the league here is competitive. However, I will have to listen to the offer first and decide the way forward .”
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
There is tight security at the venue of the 2015 Women’s Africa Nations Championship at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi Kenya.
The host country is currently experiencing security challenges with frequent attacks from the Somali based militant, Al-Shaabab but the safety of the many fans who throng the match venue since day one has been well taken care of by the elite force.
Interestingly, the plain clothed ‘invisible’ security personels are made up, mostly of players from Kenya Volleyball clubs.
Kenya Volleyball league is infiltrated by players from the Police Service and para military clubs like General Service Unit (GSU) , Administration Police, Forest Rangers Services and the Army, Kenya Defence Forces (Ulinzi).
Kenya Mens Volleyball players are playing the role of security men at the Womens African Champs
While Kenyan men’s team are yet to kick-start their preparation for the Men’s African Nations Championship in July, 2015 to be staged in Egypt, majority of the security at the venue, are volleyball players who have put on a different hat in this Championships, providing the most vital service in any competition, security, and in away maybe as a moral support to their sisters and the visiting teams.
The players, mostly drawn from the dreaded GSU, a paramilitary Police service with special training to deal with violence and terrorism mman every entry and exit points.
Other national team players like Kenya men’s national team first setter and assistant captain, Elisha Aliwa who last represented the country at Africa Zone 5-All Africa Games qualifiers in Rwanda where they lost the Congo Brazzaville ticket to the hosts; Salome Wanjala, second setter with Kenya Prisons (women) at the 2014 women’s Africa Club Cup Championship and Elijah Bosire, a setter with newly formed Nairobi Water (men) are also volunteering their services at the VIS desks.
The loyal fans are also treated to side shows off the court with ‘Isikutu’ dance, a local traditional type of music made from the sound of a drum made of dead animal skin wrapped over a hollow container
The sweet tune reverberating from the instrument is usually played during merry making. The Isikuti is famous with inhabitants from western part of Kenya but slowly being embarrassed by the City dwellers.
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
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
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