11th
African Nations Championships Junior Men- day one
Tunisia defeated the defending champions
Nairobi,
Kenya, September 16-: HOSTS Kenya and Tunisia made a flying
start in the 11th African Nations Championships Junior Men when
they convincingly won their opening matches as the event threw
off at Kasarani on Tuesday.
Kenya had to fight throughout the three sets to beat stubborn
Sudan 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-21) sets in the third match of the
day while Tunisia caused a major upset when they hit defending
champions Egypt 3-0 (25-21, 25-2, 26-24) in the second match of
the day
The much improved Uganda were the first to register victory when
they beat Botswana 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-21) sets in the opening
match as the seven teams Championships got under way to an
explosive start at Moi International Sports Centre indoor
gymnasium in Kasarani.
The seven teams led by defending champions Egypt will be
battling it out for two slots for the World Championships thanks
to the increased number of entries after world volleyball
governing body FIVB promised Africa two slots if more than six
teams entered for this year’s Championships which has brought
together seven teams.
Kenya dismissed Sudan
Hosts Kenya made full use of home ground advantage to beat Sudan
3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-21) sets in the third match of the day
held immediately after the opening ceremony.
The opening set was a closely contested affair as the Sudanese
lads stretched the hosts to the limit. However Kenya who was
making their maiden appearance in the Championships gained
composure as John Ndung’u, Ibrahim Oduor and team captain Hosea
Melly led the attack with powerful spikes to see the hosts lead
8-6 by first technical time out.
Sudan who are making their third appearance in the tournament
made a strong fight back which saw them briefly lead 24-22 but
there was no stopping Kenya who charged forward to tie the set
24-24 as the crowd inside the gymnasium led by Control Committee
President Tome Omongole went wild with excitement.
Kenya produced the final kick to take the first set 26-24 and
went on to raise their game in the second set which they won
25-18 crowning it with a 25-21 set in the third and final set in
which the Sudanese gave as much as they got.
Tunisia defeated the defending champions
DEFENDING champions Egypt made a false start in their opening
match when they were beaten 3-0 (21-25, 20-25, 21-25) sets by
last year’s runners up Tunisia in a closely contested second
match of the day.
Mrabet Marouane gave Tunisia the lead in the opening set when he
snatched the first point for the victors who led all the way as
they led the Egyptians 8-6 at the first official time out with
Esperance star Messelmani Denis playing his heart out in the
attack.
Sensing defeat, Egypt fought back bravely with some powerful
spikes and accurate blockings which saw them catch up with
Tunisia 12-12 and went on to lead 16-14 only to relax and allow
Tunisia take the set 25-21.
The second set saw Tunisia produce fireworks as they attacked
the Egyptians from all angles leading all the way to clinch the
set 25-20. The defending champions who were now staring defeat
in the face made a strong fight back in the third set which saw
them lead 1-0, 8-5, 9-7, 13-11 before Tunisia rallied to make it
13-13.
It was a neck and neck race as they tied 14-14, 20-20, 24-24
before Tunisia pulled away to clinch the set 26-24. Despite
losing the match to Tunisia, Egypt played like real champions
and they still have a chance of recovering in their matches
against Uganda and Botswana.
Easy victory for Uganda
The much improved Uganda started on a positive note when they
beat Botswana 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-21) sets in the opening
match of 11th African Nations Championships Junior Men at
Kasarani.
The opening ceremony was attended by the entire Kenya Volleyball
Federation executive led by the president Ibrahim Efumbi,
secretary general Jacob Owiti, vice president Grace Minja,
deputy secretary general Maina Chelogoi, treasurer Kenneth Tonui
and assistant treasurer Arap Leting among others.
By JACK KWEMBA – Press Officer Kenya Volleyball Federation
CGI
