Kenya stun Egypt in Africa Nations Volleyball Championship

Kenya stun Egypt in Africa Nations Volleyball Championship

The Kenya men’s volleyball team Wafalme made history after stunning heavyweights Egypt 3-2 sets in a nail-biting contest in Rwanda’s capital Kigali Wednesday night, to make a huge statement of intent at the ongoing Africa Nations Volleyball Championships.

Wafalme laid down a huge marker at the premier championship in their opening fixture of pool ‘D’ as they upset the eight-time champions in a gripping five-setter at the Kigali Arena, a team that Kenya has never beaten in the history of volleyball in Africa.

Egypt claimed the first set 25-19 before the Gideon Tarus-coached charges hit back with 25-22 and then made it 2-1 after winning the third set in 25-20. Kenya needing only to win the fourth set, determined former champions bounced back to settle the score with 25-18  sending the tie to a decider set which Wafalme won 15-12 to bag two points.

After stunning the big boys, the Kenyans now sit second in pool ‘D’ behind leaders Morocco who thrashed Tanzania in straight sets earlier at the same venue.

Kenya’s assistant coach David Lungáho expressed his delight after seeing the “brave” Wafalme pick up a hard fought victory over Egypt, adding that the night was extra special given the hurdle they had overcome.

“No one expected us to win against the former champions who’ve been a force to reckon with in Africa but in sports anything can happen, and the boys played very well and in an organised manner. It was a crucial win which now leaves the group wide open,” he said, adding: “We will quickly forget that win and focus on Morocco who are also very tough side and if pass that hurdle we will now be one leg into the quarter finals.”

In the same court, defending champions Tunisia stayed on course to defending their title after storming the quarter finals on Wednesday following their second successive win over Ethiopia. They had defeated Nigeria in straight sets in their group ‘B’ opening match Tuesday.

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Egypt Kigali Arena Wafalme Africa Nations Volleyball Championships.

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