Team Kenya is basking in a moment of triumph at the second edition of the Africa Beach Games as the women’s handball team secures a remarkable achievement, clinching their second consecutive victory and securing a place on the podium.
With a thrilling straight-sets dismissal of Mali, the Kenyan team has positioned themselves as strong contenders for a medal in the five-team round-robin tournament.
In a closely contested match, the Kenyan girls showcased exceptional determination, led by captain Michelle Adhiambo, who secured the winning goal in the second set.
Their dominance was evident from the start as they emerged victorious in the first set with a score of 12-4. The team’s strategic decisions, particularly regarding their special players, played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Adhiambo, who switched places with Gladys Chilo, made a significant impact in the final four minutes of the game, turning the tide in Kenya’s favour. She led the scoring for Kenya with an impressive 14 points, supported by teammate Brenda Ariviza with six points and Chilo with four points.
The Kenyan girls displayed a brilliant combination of experience, speed, and youth, establishing themselves as an unstoppable force on the court. Assistant captain Viona Wandera expressed her delight, attributing the hard-fought victory to a change in tactics and effective teamwork.
With this victory, the team has officially secured a place in the medal bracket and is now focused on taking one game at a time in the remaining matches, aiming to secure a spot in the gold bracket.
While the women’s team celebrates their success, the men’s team faced elimination after a defeat in their second match of the three-team pool. Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to overcome their opponents, losing by straight sets with scores of 22-12 and 18-10.
In the discipline of sprint rowing, Kenyan duo Diana Natecho and Harrison Malenga reached the quarter-finals after successfully advancing through the preliminary time-trial stage. However, Malenga was defeated in the quarter-finals by Sudan, while Natecho faced tough competition from a local rower.
In the afternoon session, the handball ladies will face Uganda, and the rowing team will participate in the mixed category.
The Kenyan contingent remains determined to showcase their skills and make their mark in the ongoing Africa Beach Games.
