Malkia Strikers celebrating after win in 2020 Olympics Africa Qualifier. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 6 – The national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers made easy work of their second match against Botswana, after a bubbly performance gave the Kenyan side a 3-0 victory in the 2020 Olympic Games Africa Qualifier in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Monday.
Boosted by the first win over Egypt, the African Queens dominated as they overwhelmed Botswana, winning the first set 25-17, then took the second set 25-19 before rounding up the third set with a score line of 25-18.
This result saw Kenya continue with their perfect run ahead of the crunch match against hosts Cameroon on Tuesday in a must win battle to inch closer to returning to the multi-sport event for the first time in 16 years.
For minnows Botswana, it was their second success defeat after succumbing to hosts Cameroon by straight sets on Sunday.
Malkia Strikers celebrating after beating Botswana by straight sets. Photo/COURTESY
Kenya were the better side in the match producing 44 attacks against Botswana’s 28 despite making more errors 28 compared to their opponent’s 20, but skipper Mercy Moim said the most important is to pick maximum points and better Egypt’s performance.
“I want to thank God for today’s victory it means a lot to my team, we had to win this game because it will dictate the way forward in our match against Cameroon. If you compare how we played against Egypt, it’s an improvement, we served well, blocked perfectly and defended well,” Moim, the most experienced player in the team said.
Malkia Strikers against Botswana in 2020 Olympics Qualifier. Photo/COURTESY
Kenya head coach, Paul Bitok applauded his charges for the win and is now focusing on the Cameroon match, noting that he intents to change strategy in order to keep his perfect run over Cameroon since he took over as the Malkia Strikers boss.
“I thank my players for their effort today it’s important to have three points because we don’t know the outcome for tomorrow against Cameroon, we will approach the game differently, I have met Cameroon three times and I have managed to beat them, I will try my best to continue with the winning streak,” Bitok said after the match.
He added; “Everyone is coming with different strategy and it will depend how we start the game, our aim is to qualify for Olympics. Cameroon have the home, but I hope we will be calm and manage the situation.”
