Algeria clinch ticket to London Olympic Games

4 February 2012

Blida, Algeria, February 4, 2012- Hosts Algeria became the fifth team to secure a ticket to the London 2012 Olympic Games after they won the Women's African Olympic Qualification tournament on Saturday, with a 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 20-25, 25-12) victory over reigning African champions Kenya on the third and final day at Tchaker Blida Hall in Algeria.With the victory, Algeria guaranteed a place at the Games for the second time in row after they competed in Beijing 2008. Elsewhere Egypt hammered Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-8, 25-21) to finish third in the 4 nation tournament. In front of 5000 spectators Algeria team entertain their spectators with a 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 20-25, 25-12) win against Kenya in a thrilling match lasting 88 minutes. Algerian experienced wing spiker Faiza Tsabet and Center Lydia Oloumou were the main factors of the victory with the skillful setter Fatima Zahra. Tsabet was the match scorer with 19 points while Oloumou scored 16. Edinah Rotich was Kenyan scorer (13). "The win came thanks to the sacrifice and good work of all the players who made a good preparation. Now we will celebrate this qualification then we will begin the preparation to the 2012 London Olympics to make a good show." Said Algeria coach George Strumelo. Women's teams already qualified for the London Olympic Games:Great Britain (Hosts)Italy (World Cup winner)USA (World Cup second place)China (World Cup third place)Algeria (African Olympic Qualification winner) Match ScheduleThursday, February 2, 201216:00: Algeria v Egypt 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-17, 25-20)18:00: Seychelles v Kenya 0-3 (15-25, 21-25, 23-25)Friday, February 3, 20121500: Algeria v Seychelles 3-0 (25-6, 25-6, 25-12)17:00: Kenya v Egypt 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-13, 20-25, 16-14)Saturday, February 4, 201215:00: Algeria v Kenya 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 20-25, 25-12)17:00: Egypt v Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-8, 25-21)