Malkia Strikers focus on crown after scintillating group run

The Kenya women volleyball team’s technical director, David Lung’aho, believes that the defending champions scintillating form has spurred confidence in them as they bid to retain the continental crown.

Lungaho, in an interview with Citizen Digital, said that they are confident of sailing to the finals, even as they wait to know their semi-final opponents.

The Malkia Strikers will meet the winner between Cameroon and Egypt, who lock horns later on on Wednesday evening.

“Our goal is still the same. We are going to defend our title so that we qualify for Japan FIVB World Championships. So we are very serious about all our matches. We will avoid complacency at all cost,” Lungaho, who boast of a success laden stint as a coach before rising the ranks to the technical director, said.

The Mercy Moim captained girls have been in imperious form, whipping all their group B opponents by three sets to no reply on their way to the semis.

Should they successfully bag the crown, it will be their tenth title.

Meanwhile, with both Egypt and Cameroon having qualified for the semis, the Wednesday evening clash will be all about pride and prestige, as each side aim to claim the top group slot.

Kenya will meet the runners up from this group A match .Egypt has over the ages been Kenya’s chief rival and the prospect of meeting them later in the competition will be a neatly poised duel that will be keenly followed by volleyball lovers across the continent.

Egypt lead group A on a superior goal difference though they tie on  6 points with Cameroon.

At the same time, Senegal, Nigeria and Tunisia, all have fighting chances to claim the other group B semi-final ticket.

Senegal are second with 6 points, followed by Nigeria and Tunisia who both have 3 points, while winless Congo DR have been eliminated from the competition.

The top two teams will qualify for the 2018 Japan FIVB World Championship.

Report by John Mbati