WOMEN'S
AFRICAN OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION: DAY TWO
KENYA BECOME NEAR OLYMPIC SPOT AFTER DEFEATING EGYPT
Nairobi, Kenya, January 9-: Kenya women team became one step
before the Olympic spot after beating their Arch Rivals, Egypt
in the second day of the Women's African Olympic Qualification
in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi to lead the four Nations' tour.
Nigeria had the first victory over the outsiders, Seychelles to
renew their hopes in getting the Olympic ticket for the first
time in history.
In what was considered as an early final for the Olympic ticket,
Kenya deploying the artistry of their professional star Violet
Barasa clinched an important 3-1 victory (25-21, 23-25, 25-17,
25-20) over Egypt in the huge Kasarani Hall in presence of 7000
spectators. Kenya led the first set from the start 8-6 and 16-14
by their effective hits of Barasa and Lucy Chege to win the
first set 25-21. Egypt team reached to their optimum performance
in the second set as they led by the successful spikes of Tahany
Tosson and Dina Assal to win the set narrowly 25-23 after doing
a great effort. In the third set Egyptian players seemed to be
physically affected by the great effort they did in the day
before against Nigeria when they won the five setter battle.
This paved the way for the Kenyan players who were physically
better to control the net actions and complete their leading to
win the third and fourth sets without Egyptian immunity. Kenya
took the revenge as they lost against Egypt in the same hall in
the final of African Nations' Championship, August 2003 to give
Egypt the World Cup place. Egypt also won their pool match in
All Africa Games in Nigeria October 2003.
In a one side Game, Nigeria had a straight sets victory over
Seychelles (25-15, 15-20, 25-22) to renew their hope to gain the
Olympic ticket.
The third and final day, Saturday will show a final clash
between Kenya and Nigeria in which the Nigerians need to have at
least 3-1 victory to reach Athens Olympics. Egypt which lost any
hope for Olympic spot will play Seychelles in a match of
outsiders.
CGI
