Cameroon’s women have laid down an early marker at the inaugural CAVB Zone 4 Nations Championship, sweeping aside hosts Congo 3-0.
Playing at the Henri Elende Gymnasium in Brazzaville, Cameroon’s superior firepower proved too much for the Congolese. However, the hosts showed plenty of fight in a competitive opening set before succumbing to relentless pressure.
Congo came out swinging in front of their home crowd, pushing Cameroon all the way before eventually succumbing 25-20 in the first set. But that early burst of energy appeared to take its toll, and what followed was a one-way drive for the visitors. The Lionesses tightened their grip in the second set, cruising to a 25-14 victory, before absolutely blowing Congo away 25-10 in the third to seal a thoroughly professional win.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Cameroon coach Luis Fernando Domingos was clearly pleased with his side’s showing. “We are happy for the victory,” he said. “We started a new generation, bringing in new things with the Cameroon national team. It’s mostly important to make discipline, our routine… we changed many things, and it’s important for the group.”
The Brazilian appears to be building something special with a host of U20 players making their entry into the senior team.
Later in the evening, Congo’s men restored some pride for the hosts with a comprehensive 3-0 thumping of the Central African Republic. The scoreline—25-11, 25-12, 25-16—tells its own story, though there were small signs of improvement from the visitors as the match wore on.
The Central African Republic, which looked more like being in a learning process, managed to edge their points tally upwards with each passing set. It’s a learning curve, and judging by their progression from 11 to 16 points across the three sets, they’re at least heading in the right direction.
Tuesday’s second day of action promises more fireworks, with Congo and Cameroon set to lock horns again in the women’s competition. The men’s schedule will see the Central African Republic face Cameroon, who’ll be making their tournament bow.
