ACTUALITE |
20.08.2003
CAN Volleyball: Lionesses Sharpen Claws
They will take on Kenya in the semi-finals today.
Semi-final matches of the 14th edition of the African Cup of Nations women’s volleyball championship will be played today at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani- Nairobi. Egypt, Cameroon, Algeria and host country, Kenya are the four teams left for the semi-finals. Egypt will play against Algeria in the first semi-final match at 1:00pm (Cameroon time), while Cameroon takes on Kenya in the second semi-final match at 3pm (Cameroon time).
The match between Cameroon and Kenya is expected to be a tough encounter as the hosts have vowed not give any chances to the Cameroonians. Preparations have intensified within the national volleyball squad ahead of today’s hurdle. Early yesterday morning, the Lionesses went for intensive training at the ultra modern sports complex in Kasarani to get more used to the play ground and to perfect their skills. Training was expected to continue this morning before settling for the derby in the afternoon.
The Kenyans have a good home advantage. But the Indomitable Lionesses say this will not intimidate them. As for Coach Yende Lavoisier, the girls will be able to contain the Kenyan public. "Home advantage will not intimidate us. It will instead be a motivation for us," he said. "Kenya has always gone for world cup and one championships but this time we are out to reverse the situation," he added. The two doctors of the team, Dr Eboko Rosette and Dr Matip are confident about the health of the players. According to them, the players are in good health but for some slight injuries which are being taken care of.
The indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon started their quest for gold on a good foot crushing every obstacle on their way. Cameroon beat Algeria 3-1 sets in their last round preliminary match. They top pool B with six points. Algeria are second with five points. Algeria had earlier won Seychelles and Senegal in their first two matches. Kenya beat Tunisia 3-0 sets on Monday to emerge second in group A with five points after Egypt with six points.
Prior to the semi-finals this afternoon, Senegal will face off Congo DR for the seventh and eight place play-off at 8:00am, while Seychelles and Tunisia will fight for the fifth and sixth position tie at 10:00am Cameroon time. Seychelles are cup holders but they were knocked out of the race in the preliminary round. The competition has taken a different twist as stronger teams have come up. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the World championship in Japan in November.
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