GRAND MARCH: Pipeline stun GS Petrolier to advance into African Club Championship semis

Kenya Pipeline celebrates their win against Prisons during the Kenya Volleyball Federation(KVF) National League finals at the Nyayo National Stadium on Monday 28/11/11.PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO

Kenya Pipeline improved their chances of recapturing the 2015 Women’s African Club Championships title with a 3-0 sets win over GS Petrolier of Algeria in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday.

Pipeline, the reigning national and seven-time Africa Club Champions, led the first set by a margin of ten scores (25-15) and went ahead to snatch the second set 25-21 before winning the third and final set 25-21 last evening.

With their victory yesterday, the local girls improved their win-loss ratio to 3-0 to keep their unbeaten record in the championship after sending the African champions GS Petrolier packing.

Pipeline went to the match unbeaten with victories over FAP of Cameroon and Botswana’s Kutlwano compared to the Algerians who advanced into the quarter-finals after winning only one match.

GS Petrolier, who were shocked by Al Ahly of Egypt in their first match, revived their hopes after defeating Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) in their second encounter.

Meanwhile, Kenya Prisons teams emerged the winners of the Authur Odera open tournament in Malaba over the weekend.

The women’s team capitalised on the absence of local champions Kenya Pipeline to overwhelm newly formed Nairobi Queens 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-11) to lift the title.

Nairobi Queens coach David Muthoi praised his side for the brave performance, blaming their loss on fatigue and saying inexperience. 

“I have a young side and I hope that the team will gain experience as we continue playing in the league. Some of my players had examination on Monday and had to leave so missed the final,” Muthoi said.

To the finals, Prisons easily beat Oserian 3-0 (25-12, 25-10, 25-12) sets in the first semifinal while Nairobi Queens laboured to defeat Nairobi Water 3-2 (21-25, 19-25, 25-19, 25-18, 10-2) to book a final slot.

Prisons men’s team, who are also the local league champions, overpowered arch-rivals General Service Unit (GSU) 3-2 (21-25, 24-26, 25-23, 18-25, 15-8.

To the finals, GSU beat Forest Rangers 3-1 (25-15, 25-28, 25-15, 25-20), while Forest Rangers dismissed Cooperative Bank 3-0 (5-21, 25-18, 25-23).