Kenya are into the World Championship on course to defend their African title
Lausanne, Switzerland, October 13, 2017 – Kenya and Cameroon ensured that they will be at the Japan 2018, FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship after they won their semifinals at the CAVB Qualifier on Friday.
Kenya defeated Egypt 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-19) and Cameroon matched their straight sets victory with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 27-25) defeat of Senegal.
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 ended on Wednesday, 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.
Kenya 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.
They had to fight back after Egypt began the match in stronger form, but they found their rhythm after their blockers began to thwart the Egyptian attacks. Middle blocker Edith Wisa finished with 14 points and by outside hitter Mercy Moim weighed in with 13.
Cameroon’s progress delighted the home crowd and means that they will compete in the World Championship for a second consecutive edition.
The hosts needed to stay focused in the third set. They saved three match points before they went on to seal the victory in which Moma Bassoko led scoring with 20 points.
