KCB, Kenya Pipeline off to a flyer at Africa Clubs event in Cairo
Kenyan teams continued their perfect start at the African Women’s Club Championship as KCB and Kenya Pipeline won their opening two matches at Al Ahly Sporting Arena in Cairo, Egypt.
The 2023 silver medallist Kenya Pipeline began their quest in Pool C for the 37th African title when they beat Nigeria’s Customs Service 3-0 (25-16, 25-10 and 25-14). Middle blocker Triza Atuka led the way for the Kenyan outfit after her exploits enabled the team to clinch the first set.
The second set saw Atuka combine with Lydia Iswan, Yvonne Sinaida, and Mirriam Chelimo to destroy the West Africans before they took control of the third set, which they easily won 25-14. In Pipeline’s second game, they continued their unbeaten run with a dominant win over Mayo Kane Evolution of Cameroon 3-0.
Pipeline took the first set 25-19 and won the second 25-20 before sealing the third 25-19. It was the second set where Pipeline were made to sweat before emerging winners as the Cameroonian side took an early lead of 10-4 before Pipeline overturned to carry the day.
Meanwhile, another Kenyan side KCB kicked off their campaign in Group D by defeating Association Sportive Bejaia of Algeria 3-0 of 25-16, 25-9, and 25-21. Having won a gold medal in the tournament in 2022, the Bankers under coach Japeth Munala, found it rather easy in the opening set but in the third set, the determined Algerian side almost carried the day.
However, led by outside hitters Mercy Moim, Juliana Namutira, Mariam Musa, Sharleen Sembel, and middle blockers captain Edith Mukuvilani, Belinda Barasa, Elizabeth Sokoiyo, Pauline Chemtai, KCB recovered after going down 10-7 to win by a close scoreline of 25-21.
In their second match, the Bankers stamped their authority by securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory in a four-set thriller against Litto Team Volley of Cameroon in an intense battle showdown. The Bankers displayed their prowess on the court by winning the first set 25-21, the second 25-24, list the third 25-19 before recovering to win the fourth 30-28.
A total of 15 teams are taking part in the competition with Kenya being represented by Pipeline, KCB, and Kenya Prisons. Group A has Al Ahly of Egypt, NC Bejaja of Algeria, and Kenya Prisons.
In Group B, there is Zamalek of Egypt, National Alcohol Factory of Ethiopia, Asec Mimosa of Ivory Coast, and Mechaal Balladia Bejaja of Algeria, Group C comprises Kenya Pipeline, Nigeria Customs Service from Nigeria, Saint-Denis Olympique, Mavo Kane Evolution of Cameroon and Group D has KCB, Litto Team Volley of Cameroon, Sococim of Senegal and Association Sportive De Bejaja of Algeria.
