Kenya Pipeline, the national champions, displayed their dominance by defeating Mouloudia Club d’Alger 3-1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-18, 25-21) in Tunisia, securing their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing African Clubs Championships.
The team will enjoy a rest day on Tuesday before taking on Co Decaretes of Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday as they aim to top pool “C”.
Pipeline coach Paul Gitau implemented two changes in the starting lineup, with experienced middle blocker Triza Atuka replacing Yvonne Sinaida, and utility player Leonida Kasaya filling in for promising left attacker Daisy Kipkorir.
Gitau referred to these changes as tactical decisions and commended the team for maintaining their winning streak. However, he cautioned the players about the importance of the upcoming Round of 16 matches.
“In the pre-quarter stages, one mistake can lead to elimination from the championships. But let’s focus on winning all our matches and deal with the Round of 16 when we reach that stage,” said Gitau.
In another pool, defending champions KCB Women’s Team, who had a rest day on Monday, will face Asac Salitigue of Senegal in their final match of pool “B” on Tuesday.
KCB has already secured their place in the next round with victories against the National Alcohol Liquor Factory of Ethiopia (3-0) and Nyong from Cameroon (3-0).
Meanwhile, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) aims to bounce back when they face Iseg Sport (ISE) of Senegal in their last match of pool “C” on Tuesday. The team, coached by Sammy Mulinge, suffered a close defeat against Jill Saad Commune Ouled Aduone (JSCOA) of Algeria (3-2) on Sunday.
KPA had previously won against Cameroon Sports Volleyball Club (3-1) but will need a victory against ISE to secure their spot in the next stage.
Mulinge hopes that experienced players David Thuita and Peter Kamara, who missed the previous match due to malaria, will be fully recovered for the crucial encounter. In their absence, Jeffrey Ochieng and Chris Owalla delivered valuable contributions to the team.
