Prisons break Pipeline in African Club Championship thriller

The Kenya Prisons sent compatriots Pipeline crashing out of the Women’s African Volleyball Clubs Championship after pulling off a 3-2 (13-25, 28-26, 25-19, 23-25 15-13) win in Thursday’s quarter-finals in Monastir, Tunisia.

The defeat spiked Pipeline’s hopes for a record-equaling eighth continental club title and kept their 12-year wait for a similar success rolling.

Archrivals at home, Prisons and Pipeline took their battles beyond Kenyan borders and while it the tie left local fans spoilt for choice, the five-set thriller lived to its billing as one of the competition’s most explosive encounter.

The two clubs have enjoyed unparalleled continental success, bettered only by Egyptian titans Al Ahly SC who boast a record eight crowns under their belt.

The rivalry between the two was almost palpable at Mzali as they locked horns and it was pipeline who drew first blood, scoring three quick points and going on to win  the first set 25-13.

In a fierce second second set, Prisons fought back to win 28-26 before capitalizing on hitting blunders from their opponents to take a 2-1 lead.

A stunning revival saw Pipeline draw the tie 2-2 but it was the five-time winners Prisons that struck the final blow to seal a semis berth.