Recap of semi-finals of 2011 Women’s African Club Championship – Volleyball news
The semi-finals of the 2011 Women’s African Club Championship were held on Wednesday, April 6, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The defending champions Kenya Prisons cross their ways with Al-Ahly of Egypt and defeated them with a score of 3-1 (25-20, 14-25, 25-20, and 25-21).
On the other hand, the home team of Kenya Pipeline worked out a great victory against Injs of Cameron in straight set. They posted 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, and 25-18) on the board to clinch a spot in the final showdown of the tournament. The home teams totally
profited the competitive edge of playing in familiar conditions and fully entertained the local audience.
Prisons vs. Ahly 3-1 (25-20, 14-25, 25-20, and 25-21)
The hosts opened the match with convincing serves and hit exquisite shots. The team was equipped with all necessary tools and tricks of the game. They formed good combination and came strong on the opponents.
The guest ladies from Egypt couldn’t stand the early strike of the Prisons and failed to put up resistance. The Kenya Prisons picked up a strong lead and restricted the opposite side to a low score. After the first technical timeout, Egyptian team followed
a different strategy and managed to bring a little stability in the game. They added some quick points and tried to dismantle the power of hosts. However, the Prison maintained their lead and closed off first set at 25-20.
The raged-up Egyptian team hit back strongly in the following set. They grasped the game plan of Kenyan squad and came from back row attack. The tricky bump passes of Egyptian players created more trouble for the home defenders. Ironically enough, Prison
seemed to have lost grip on the ball and finished with 14-25 defeat in second set.
After quite a shaky performance in second set, the Kenyan team produced some good shots. They did not repeat the silly mistakes in third set and fought their way back to the top.
Nonetheless, they had to deal with hostile resistance from the Ahly team. Prisons were also backed-up by local fans. The team made a great comeback in third set and sealed victory by posting 25-20.
The fourth set of the game was a complete ball of fury. The affair turned into a heated competition. Egyptian side played with good tactics and opted for every possible way to take advantage over Prisons. They fought bravely but could not avoid the chances
of defeat in fourth set. Kenya Prisons pulled off success and declared match victory after four-set game.
Kenya Pipeline vs. Injs 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, and 25-18)
The match between Kenya Pipeline and Injs was a close fight. The home side enjoyed a great form and started out really well. They had earned a lot of confidence by capturing their previous matches with good numbers. Likewise, the Cameroonian team had worked
really hard for the semi-final match.
The opening set of the match progressed with a narrow gap of points. Both sides regularly traded lead and didn’t waste any chance to hit scores. The tight affair continued in the same fashion until the end.
Eventually, Kenya Pipeline proved to be better and secured first set with a margin to two points.
The success in opening set provided them an edge to further put pressure on the opponents. Injs had some good hitters, who put away the ball with great precision. Anyhow, the solid defence of Kenyan team saved them from defeat in second set. Rather they
earned points on re-bound shots. Second set also ended in Kenya’s favour.
The Cameroonian players were visibly fatigues in third set but they kept on trying. Their efforts were admirable but they could not overcome the power of hosts. Kenya Pipeline marched away with victory in the semi-final as they posted 25-18 in third set.
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