Lausanne, Switzerland, October 10, 2017 – Egypt became the third side to reach the semifinals at the Japan 2018, FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship CAVB Qualifier, when they defeated Botswana on Tuesday.
The north African side won 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-21) and in doing so joined Kenya and hosts Cameroon in the final four.
The tournament doubles as the African Women’s Championship and is taking place at the Palais des Sports in Yaounde, Cameroon. It began on Saturday and the first round continues till October 11th. The medal matches take place on Saturday, October 14 and the top two will qualify for Japan 2018, which runs from September 29-October 20.
Egypt are aiming to end a 12-year wait since their last appearance at a World Championship and they were led in their latest victory by middle blocker Farida Elaskalany who scored 11 points.
Defending champions Kenya were already assured of their place in the semifinals, and they demonstrated their strength with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16) victory over Tunisia. Mercy Moim again led scoring for the east Africans with 13 points, though Tunisia’s Jihen Mohamed finished with 14 points to finish as match leading scorer.
Japheth Munala’s team are chasing a first World Championship appearance since Japan 2010 having missed out on the Italy 2014 edition. They have won five of the last six African Championships and nine in total, more than any other country.
Nigeria enjoyed their first victory of the tournament with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-15) win over DR Congo. Mercy Promise led the winner's scorers with 13 points, but Margot Mutshima led the match scorers with 14 points for DR Congo.
