Kenya Prisons came back from a set down to beat record African champions Al Ahly of Egypt 3-2 (25-13, 10-25, 25-20, 22-25, 10-15) and clinch the bronze medal in their women’s Africa Volleyball Club Championships in Monastir, Tunisia on Sunday.
This was a rematch between the two giants after they met in the group stages earlier in the competition.
The Egyptians on that occasion won 3-0. They made their dominance felt as they easily took the first set 25-13.
Good service balls especially from star setter Jane Wacu enabled Kenya Prisons, the 2012 champions to claw back into the match and sealed a massive 25-10 second set win.
This was a morale booster for the Kenyan side heading into the third set as they tied the game at 1-1.
Poor reception of the ball, an issue that had rocked Kenyan teams in the competition came to bite the wardresses.
Al Ahly who won the last edition in 2016 capitalised on unforced errors to take the third set 25-20 and lead 2-1.
Good blocking
With the match hanging in the balance, Kenya Prisons conjured up meaningful offence and good blocking to ensure that they remained in the match after a 25-22 fourth set win to set up the decisive set.
Kenya Prisons grew in confidence and dealt the final blow to seal the fifth set 15-10.
Kenya Pipeline finished fifth after a solid shift in the last two sets to beat Algeria’s Sonatrach in straight sets of 31-33, 25-12, 25-18 during their classification match.
The Kenyans overcame a closely fought first set to finally break down the Algerians. They scooped bronze in the last edition in 2016 but were eliminated by rivals Kenya Prisons at the quarterfinal stage this time around.
Meanwhile, hosts Carthage of Tunisia clinched their maiden title after after a hard fought 3-2 (16-25, 25-17, 26-24, 20-25, 15-11) victory over Egypt’s Shams.
Cheered by a huge home following, they fought back from a set down against the dark horses to ensure that trophy remained in Tunisia.
Final Ranking
1. Carthage (Tunisia) , 2. Shams (Egypt) 3.Kenya Prisons, 4.Al Ahly (Egypt), 5. Kenya Pipeline, 6. Sonatrach (Algeria), 7. Sfaxien (Tunisia)
