Pipeline plan to douse Algerian rivals

Kenya Pipeline’s Ruth Jepngetich during a past match. Pipeline take on reigning champions GS Petrolier in quarter-finals of the African Championships on March 31. FILE PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Seven-time continental champs plot downfall of in-form north African side in quarters.

Seven-time African volleyball champions Kenya Pipeline face a tough test on Tuesday when they take on GS Petrolier of Algeria in the quarter-finals of the women’s African Club Championships in Cairo.

Pipeline topped Pool C after recording convincing victories against Botswana’s Kutlwano and FAP of Cameroon, thereby landing the Algerian defending champions who finished second in Pool B.

Speaking to Daily Nation Sport from Cairo, Kenyan international Janet Wanja said that the entire team is aware of the threat posed by the Algerian opponents, and that they will make every effort to ensure that they move on to the semi-finals.

“This is going to be even tougher than the finals because I have seen them (GSP) play for a long time and I know that they are very strong opponents. Thankfully we are also enjoying a good run and we will do our best to sweep them off during the match,” she said.

Pipeline are the only unbeaten side in the tournament.

GS Petrolier dethroned Kenya Prisons with a 3-0 defeat in last year’s finals in Carthage Tunisia, and are considered heavy favourites for thus year’s trophy alongside hosts Egypt and Kenya Pipeline.

They are however not enjoying the same form they had last year, and stumbled to a 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20) loss against Egypt in their opening match.

Pipeline opened their account with a 3-1 win over FAP of Cameroon before fending off Botswana’s Kutlwano 3-0 in their second match to finish at the summit of their Pool C.