Kenya down Egypt in Kampala

National volleyball team members celebrate their 3-1 victory over Egypt in the opening match of the 2015 All Africa Games qualifiers in Kampala on April 21, 2015. Kenya’s coach, David Lung’aho, wants to win all his matches in the qualifiers, including the last against hosts Uganda on Saturday. PHOTO | ISMAIL KEZAALA |

By  CLIVE KYAZZE

What you need to know:

  • Lung’aho’s charges hold nerve to floor bitter north African rivals in opening match.
  • Minnows Ethiopia up next at 7pm on Wednesday.

KAMPALA

Kenya issued a statement of intent at the Zone V All Africa Games Qualifiers on Tuesday when they defeated Egypt 3-1 at the MTN Arena.

Kenya took early control of the game with a 25-16 lead after Egypt faltered on the back court defence.

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Monica Biama, Ruth Jepbgetich and Edith Mukuvulani didn’t only show their attacking prowess but were vital on net defence.

Biama’s reception and court cover with libero Elizabeth Wanyama provided good cover.

With Kenya trailing 14-11 in the second set, Jepbgetich had back to back killing blocks, moments later Egypt’s Aya Shams attacked out (14-12),

With Kenya leading 15-14, captain Janet Wanja served in the net (15-15) while Mohamed Doaa served out to give Kenya the advantage again, 15-15.  Moments later, Kenya surrendered a three point lead 15-18 as Lydia Maiyo had a quiet evening: She rarely troubled the Egyptians.

LEVELLED THE GAME

Egypt got to the 20-point mark as Kenya’s reception deserted them.

Trailing 19-21, coach David Lung’aho brought on Noel Murambi for Jepbgetich, but that didn’t stop the Egyptian attack and cover to operate (20-23).

Esther Wangeci served in the net (20-23) before Mercy Moim attacked out (20-24) and later Egypt leveled the game with a 25-21 win.

The third set was end-to-end as Kenya tried to gain the lead, but were also let down by Wanja’s short in position two that Egypt on so many occasions used as a scapegoat. Egypt led by one (16-15) going into the second technical timeout of the set.

Jepbgetich faltered on her block, as on several occasions, net fouls by her were called by the first referee. Lung’aho substituted her for Biama.

FRUSTRATED EGYPTIAN RECEPTION

Kenya were three points away from gaining the lead at 22-20 when Ramze Fazah hit out (23-20) Egypt pulled one back but good net defence from Mukuvulani made it 24-21.

Amine Sara hit as Kenya gained the lead again 25-21.

The Wanja-led side was required to hold its nerves going into the fourth and they did as they built a five-point lead (13-8). It was excellent services and cover that frustrated the Egyptian reception and cover respectively.

The lead was later stretched to eight (20-12) and from then on, won the set 25-20. Kenya play Ethiopia today in their second game of the campaign as Uganda takes on Egypt.

Kenya face Ethiopia in their second match at 7pm on Wednesday.

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