Malkia Strikers beat Egypt 3-1 to start Olympic Qualifier with a win. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 5 – The national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers launched their 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Africa Qualifier on a right path, spanking Egypt 3-1 in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Sunday.
Kenya started on a low, losing the first set 23-25 to Egypt but they recovered to take the second set 25-15 and make it 1-1.
Malkia Strikers fought hard, coming down to win the third set 25-21 before sealing the win in the fourth set with a 25-22.
Malkia Strikers in action against Egypt in Olympic Qualifier
Kenya will next face Botswana on Monday at 4pm EAT, then take on hosts Cameroon on Tuesday in what will be deemed as the decider before wrapping up with a match against Nigeria on Thursday.
Head coach Paul Bitok thanked his players for the spirited fight and called on them to keep up the tempo even as they tackle minnows Botswana.
“Egypt is a very technical side and we are happy that we got maximum points from a team that had minimal mistakes. Our focus now shifts to Botswana, we cannot afford to underrate any opponent in this competition,” Bitok told the Nation.
Malkia Strikers celebrating after beating Egypt
Malkia Strikers will be out to break a 16-year jinx and hope to return to the prestigious Olympic Games that will be held in Tokyo, Japan in July.
The national men’s and women’s teams; Kenya Sevens and Kenya Lionesses are the only Team Sports that have so far qualified for the Summer Games.
