Malkia Strikers players led by Brackcides Agala.
PALPALA, Argentina, May 30 – Malkia Strikers lost their second warm up match against Argentina by straight sets of 25-18, 25-16, 25-12 as they stepped up preparations for the World Grand Prix which serves off in Tucuman, Argentina this weekend.
The ladies had earlier lost 4-1 to the Argentines in the first warm up match played in Buenos Aires and head coach David Lung’aho was unimpressed with how the girls fared in the second match.
“We played badly. Argentina was well drilled and performed well in their basics. We had a lot of things out of our favour. It is important for us to play these friendly matches and we have learnt a lot. I only hope we can play better in our first match,” Lung’aho said after the match.
Kenya begins its campaign in Group Two of the Grand prix against the Argentines on Saturday before facing Bulgaria later on.
The African Queens should expect a tough encounter from the Bulgarians who showed their intent with a straight sets win over Argentina in another warm up match.
Malkia Strikers finish their opening three matches in Argentina against the Dominican Republic before travelling to Wloclawek, Poland where they face the hosts, Argentina for a second time and Puerto Rico who beat them less than a fortnight ago in the Olympic Qualifiers.
Kenya will be looking for a top three finish in the eight-nation group, to qualify for the final which will be played in Plovdiv, Bulgaria beginning June 18.
