Two contrasting victories set up a mouth-watering clash between tournament heavyweights
Kenya has gone back to winning ways after an easy going straight-sets victory over Uganda, whilst defending champions Egypt dismantled Burundi in less than an hour.
The Kenyans, who have developed a reputation for slow starts in this tournament, found themselves locked at 10-10 with their East African neighbours in the opening exchanges. Uganda came out with plenty of fight and determination, matching Kenya’s early intensity in what promised to be a closely fought affair.
However, once Kenya found their groove – as has become their trademark pattern – they proved utterly unstoppable. The dynamic duo of Malyne Idachi and Milka Akinyi unleashed a barrage of devastating spikes that left the Ugandan defense scrambling. After breaking the deadlock to claim the first set 25-14, Kenya cruised through the remaining two sets with consummate ease, wrapping up a 3-0 victory (25-14, 25-16, 25-25).
Despite the comprehensive defeat, Uganda can take some solace from their spirited performance. The 45 points they managed to accumulate across the three sets could prove crucial in their bid to secure a semi-final berth, with the tournament still very much in its infancy.
Kenya’s resurgence was symbolised by another stellar display from Milka Akinyi, who claimed her second MVP award of the competition. With confidence restored, the Kenyans now turn their attention to what promises to be a blockbuster encounter against Egypt.
The record title holders, meanwhile, required just 55 minutes to dispatch Burundi in ruthless fashion. The gulf in class between the seasoned campaigners and the tournament newcomers was painfully evident as Egypt cruised to a 3-0 whitewash (25-6, 25-13, 25-11).
Coach Hossameldein Shokry had the luxury of rotating his squad during the second and third sets, resting key players ahead of the heavyweight clash with Kenya. Egyptian middle blocker Zaytoun Lojain was named player of the match, though she admitted her surprise at receiving the accolade.
“I’m surprised by this award as I wasn’t expecting it,” Lojain told reporters. “We know Egypt is the team to beat, so the pressure on us is high, but with the help of our coach, we’re able to handle that pressure. We look at all our opponents the same way. Our objective is to win the tournament.”
All roads now lead to match day four, where Egypt and Kenya will lock horns in what’s being billed as the standout fixture of the day.
