Kenya’s women’s handball team staged a remarkable comeback to secure a victory against Algeria in straight sets (19-13, 11-5) at the second edition of the Africa Beach Games in Hammamet, Tunisia in a stunning display of skill and determination.
Led by Captain Mitchelle Adhiambo and Brenda Ariviza, who scored eight and six points respectively, the Kenyan girls overcame a slow start to dominate the game and claim the top spot in the five-team table.
Captain Adhiambo expressed her delight with the team’s performance and commended the players for their resilience in turning the game around after being down 8-0 at the start of the first set.
“After identifying our mistakes within the first four minutes, we called for a timeout and changed our approach, which ultimately led us to victory. It feels incredible because we are now one step closer to the medal bracket. This is a round-robin tournament, and a win brings us closer to our goal,” Adhiambo remarked after the match.
She added, “Winning the first game is a huge morale booster, and now we have something to protect, our place at the top of the table.”
Although the Kenyan team started slowly, the Algerians took an early lead with an 8-0 an advantage in just three and a half minutes, with Selma Ben Moudetter being the chief scorer for the Algerian side, tallying 11 points in the game.
However, the Kenyan girls gradually fought their way back into the game, and with a strategic change that saw Captain Adhiambo playing as a specialist player, they took the lead for the first time at 11-10 with less than four minutes remaining in the first set.
The Kenyan team maintained their momentum, with Ariviza’s two-point spin shots and Viona Wandera’s similar score extending their lead to 19-13 by the end of the period.
In the second period, the Kenyan team continued their flawless and coordinated play, leaving Algeria struggling to catch up despite moments of brilliance from Selma.
Euphrasia Mukasia’s 360 shot in the final 30 seconds sealed the set 11-5 in Kenya’s favour.
Next, Kenya will face neighbours Uganda and Mali on Sunday before a showdown against hosts Tunisia, whom they previously faced in the Global Tour and will be seeking redemption.
Meanwhile, the Men’s team will compete against hosts Tunisia today at 4 pm.
