With two spots available from Pool F African First Round qualification for the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championships in Japan, Saturday’s matches could determine which teams advanced to the Second Round of qualification. Kenya would play Rwanda and Egypt would play Uganda.
The Egyptian team came out to win and dominated the Ugandans. Egypt won the match 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-14). With the win, the Egyptian women had advanced to the Second Round to be held in Cameroon in October. The Second Round will also be the African Women’s Nations Championship.
As for the hosts, Kenya tried to pack the house by making admission to the match free. Even Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto’s family were in attendance. The Malika Strikers had a tough first set against Rwanda, who kept it close through. However the Kenyans won the set 25-22. The second and third sets were less stressful for the Kenyan fans as their team won both sets by a 25-16 score line. The Kenyan women had also clinched their ticket to the Second Round.
Rwandan coach Jean Marie Nsengiyuanva said, “I am proud of my girls who have played really well against the best team in Africa.” Kenyan coach Japheth Munala stated after the match, “”I expected them to push us but that said, it’s good we had a solution to all their attacks, we are now in a good position to finish off the job against Egypt.”
Sunday’s matches of Kenya vs. Egypt and Uganda vs. Rwanda are really for pride and bragging rights. There are FIVB Ranking points available for the position finish in the qualifiers, but those points may not be allocated until after the 2018 World Championships have been completed.
Standings After Day 2 of Pool F of African First Round Women’s Qualification
- Kenya 2 wins-0 losses, 6 points, 6 sets won-0 sets lost
- Egypt 2-0, 6 points, 6-1
- Rwanda 0-2, 0 points, 1-6
- Uganda 0-2, 0 points, 0-6
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