Host nation Cameroon secured its first ever title in the Women’s Volley African Championship over the weekend after a triumphant win over defending champions, Kenya at the Palais des Sports Indoor Arena in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Cameroon overwhelmed the former champions 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 29-27) in Saturday’s final to record their name as titles holders for the first time after participating in 15 out of 18 competitions.
It was Kenya’s first defeat in the biannual continent competition among nine African nations after an unbeaten streak in Pool B. Kenya advanced to the semifinals as leaders of Pool B ahead of second place Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, and DR Congo.
Champions Cameroon booked a ticket to the final after beating Senegal (25-19, 25-20, 27-25) in the semi-final, while Kenyan secured a finals ticket on Friday evening after beating rivals Egypt 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-19) in the semi-finals before conceding the side’s first defeat, in the final.
Despite the loss, record title holders Kenya will join champions Cameroon to represent Africa in the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship that will be held in September next year in Japan.
Prior to the final, three-time winners, Egypt won the bronze medal following a 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-13) win over Senegal who has finished in the 4th position for five consecutive years.
The Cameroonians also dominated the individual awards after three players from the team including Moma Bassoko, Koulla Nadge and Raissa Nasser won the Most Valuable Player, Best Setter and Best Libero respectively. They were followed by two Kenyans; Mercy Moim and Edith Mukuvulani who won the Best Attacker and Best Blocker respectively. Fatou Diouck of Senegal won the Best Receiver while Aya Elshamy from Egypt won the Best server award.
Final standing
1. Cameroon
2. Kenya
3. Egypt
4. Senegal
5. Tunisia
6. Algeria
7. Nigeria
8. Botswana
9. DR Congo
Featured Photo: Dr. Muhammed Attia
