Kenya beats Botswana to maintain Olympic dream

Malkia Strikers players celebrate a point during their Olympics qualifier against Botswana at Palais polyvalent des sports (Paposy) Arena in Yaoundé on January 6, 2020. PHOTO | SAMUEL GACHARIRA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Kenya opened her account with a 3-1 win over Egypt on Sunday, while Botswana lost 3-0 to Cameroon.
  • Cameroon face Nigeria in Monday's late game.

IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

Kenya women’s volleyball national team on Monday overcame Botswana in straight sets (25-17, 25-19, 25-18) in their second match at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics qualifiers here at the Palais polyvalent des sports (Paposy) Arena.

Following the win, Malkia Strikers lead the standings with six points and face rivals Cameroon in a potential final Tuesday. Cameroon play Nigeria in Monday's second match.

Cameroon have three points from their 3-0 win over Botswana on Sunday, while Egypt, Nigeria and Botswana follow in that order.

Kenya's Emmaculate Chemtai (left) spikes the ball against Botswana during their Olympics qualifier at Palais polyvalent des sports (Paposy) Arena in Yaoundé on January 6, 2020. PHOTO | SAMUEL GACHARIRA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

“I want to appreciate my players for the good effort. It was important that we pick maximum points and continue with our journey. Our mission remains to get the ticket to the Olympics and now we head to the Cameroon game with confidence,” said Bitok.

It was put to him that Kenya has never beaten Cameroon at home, but Bitok insists he is determined to write history.

Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok looks on during their Olympics qualifier against Botswana at Palais polyvalent des sports (Paposy) Arena in Yaoundé on January 6, 2020. PHOTO | SAMUEL GACHARIRA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

“I have faced Cameroon twice as coach and I have beaten them so I hope to continue with that record. I have also beaten their men’s team at this arena when I was coaching Rwanda so hopefully I will make history,” Bitok told Nation Sport.

“They will have their fans behind them so I have to prepare my players mentally. Both teams know each other well so we will try and minimise our mistakes and force a good start. We will be going for a win,” he added.

Bitok’s charges returned to Paposy Arena a polished side having started slowly against Egypt in the opener. They took an early control of the match leading 8-6 in the first technical timeout of the opening set and 16-11 in the second technical timeout.

Jemimah Siang’u made her first start in the Kenyan jersey as the nine-time African champions displayed free-flowing volleyball to clinch the first two sets.

Kenya's Mercy Moim (left) and Joan Chelagat attempt to block Botswana's Kamberuka Thapelo during their Olympics qualifier at Palais polyvalent des sports (Paposy) Arena in Yaoundé on January 6, 2020. PHOTO | SAMUEL GACHARIRA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

“Our performance was better than yesterday. We served well, our front court and back court defence improved and this means a lot. It’s a good thing that we are improving,” said Kenya captain Moim.

Bitok rested his regulars in the second set and handed Emmaculate Chemtai, Joan Chelagat, Gladys Ekaru and Elizabeth Wanyama an opportunity on court as every red shirt got a touch of the ball.

Kenya carried their dominance in the third set as the first six returned on court perhaps in preparation of the big one against Cameroon.

Tuesday's Fixtures (EAT)

Nigeria v Egypt- 7pm

Kenya v Cameroon - 9pm