Kenya Pipeline storm Africa Club Championship semis in Tunisia

The national volleyball women's player Triza Atuka (top) attacks against Japan during their FIVB World Cup match on August 26, 2015. PHOTO | COURTESY |

What you need to know:

  • Earlier, champions Al-Ahly of Egypt edged out 2014 champions GSP of Algeria 3-2 (32-30, 23-25, 22-25, 18-25 and 15-6) in a pulsating last eight clash.
  • Pipeline won 25-15, 25-14, 15-25, 25-17 in a thrilling quarter-final match.

Kenya Pipeline’s volleyball team on Thursday stormed the semi-finals of the 2016 Women’s African Club Championship after a 3-1 win over home side CS Sfaxien at the Sidi Bou Said gymnasium in Tunis.

The Kenyan ladies won 25-15, 25-14, 15-25, 25-17 in a thrilling quarter-final match to reach their third straight semi-final. Pipeline coach Japheth Munala started with setter Janet Wanja, Noel Murambi, Triza Atuka, Gaudencia Makokha, Monica Biama and libero Mildred Odwako.

Pipeline coach Japheth Munala handed a start to new signing Valentine Jepkoech in the second set in place of vice-captain Triza Atuka as the hosts’ poor service saw Pipeline take a 8-5 lead before extending their dominance to 16-11 at the end of the second time out.

Pipeline went on to easily take the set 25-14 as Gaudencia Makokha and Murambi put up an impressive fight. The hosts took advantage of Pipeline’s poor judgment on the net to lead 16-10 in the third set before going on to win it 25-15 to revive their hopes of winning the game.

Pipeline started the fourth set brightly taking an 8-4 lead before moving to 16-10 at the end of the second technical time out. Munala’s charges showed their class to see out the set and seal a place in the semis against either arch-rivals Kenya Prisons or Tunisia’s Carthage who were due to face off in the other quarter-final on Thursday night.

“It was a tough match but we gave our all. We are two matches from winning the title,” wrote Atuka on her Facebook page. Pipeline have won the continental title five times.

Earlier, champions Al-Ahly of Egypt edged out 2014 champions GSP of Algeria 3-2 (32-30, 23-25, 22-25, 18-25 and 15-6) in a pulsating last eight clash.