Egypt, Uganda maintain perfect start at African Nations Volleyball Champs

Egypt strengthened their credentials to upgrade 2023's silver to gold at the Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship after a second straight-sets victory over Senegal in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The North African heavyweights swept Senegal’s Lionesses 25-12, 25-10, 25-8 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena to build on their dominant 3-0 sets opening win over Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

Egypt now turn their focus to their final Group B match against Uganda, who also secured a second straight-sets victory by defeating winless Burkina Faso 25-14, 25-13, 25-18.

Speaking after leading his side to victory, Uganda head coach Protus Soita Barasa acknowledged the massive challenge ahead.

“The third group match against Egypt will be our most difficult, but it is not impossible. Egypt have been the favourites and finalists, so when you face a team of that pedigree, you must plan meticulously.

“I watched them play, and quietly as a technical bench, we are devising a strategy to go after them. My defensive and service plans worked against Burkina Faso, and I am confident we will secure our place in the knockout stages,” Barasa noted.

Burkina Faso assistant coach Djaraba Mussa conceded that his young squad has struggled against the group's heavyweights.

“Yesterday against Egypt was extremely tough because they played at a very high speed. Today against Uganda, our young team struggled again, but this is a learning process for most who are competing at this level for the first time.

“We apologise to our fans back home, but we will give everything to end on a high against Senegal,” said Mussa.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rwanda maintained their grip on Pool ‘D’ at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, dispatching the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-16).

Algeria rebounded from their opening-day setback to sweep Burundi 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-18), while Zambia claimed a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Mali (25-19, 22-25, 25-16, 25-21) in Pool A.