Kenya braved a torrid third set for an all-out explosive show to silence stubborn Senegal in 3-1 sets for their third consecutive victory at the ongoing FIVB World Championships Africa qualifiers.
Right attacker Esther Wangechi tore the Senegalese defence apart as versatile libero Elizabeth Wafula engagedclinical defensive skills in the decisive set as Kenya eased to 25-19, 25-12, 17-25 and 25-11 victory at the Safaricom Arena on Wednesday.
Kenya hit Uganda in their opening match before seeing off Mozambique in straight sets. This was Senegal’s second loss.
Tunisia also extended unbeaten run to three matches after outwitting Seychelles 22-25, 20-25 and 19-25. It was Seychelles’ third consecutive defeat.
Kenya will meet Seychelles today at 4pm but this will be preceded by Uganda verses Tunisia tie at 12pmand Mozambique against Senegal at 2pm.
Kenya took the lead 8-4 inthe first technical time out with good serving and blocking but Evelyne Makuto and Mercy Moim left attack wasn’t clinical with blocking from the Senegalese to reduce the deficit at 10-13.
Wangechi would stabilise things on the right with good spiking putting Kenya ahead 16-13 in the second technical time out.
Good setting by Jane Wacu set off skipper Brackcides Agala at the centre to claim three consecutive points for 18-14 before Moim struckon the left with three quick points for a 22-14 lead. Benetou Sow and Senegalese skipper Fatou Niana held Kenya at 24-15 before the home team eased off 25-19.
Some ruthless combination involving Agala, Wangechi, Makuto and Ruth Jepng’etich spurred Kenya to 8-4 and 16-7 at technical time outs before good defencewaded off the preying Senegalese.
Kenya stormed to a third set lead 8-4 only for Senegal’s good defence tohold the hosts, whose attack fizzled. The visitors led 16-10 at the second time out before Niana and Sow snatched the third set 25-17.
Head coach David Lung’aho noted that they lost concentration in the third set but after a pep talk things fell in place. “The Senegalese are tall hence we had to play a fast game to halt them,” said Lung’aho.
Tunisia’s Be Chik Asma impressed for her team especially in the last set as Seychelles.
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