KENYA FACE RWANDA: Women MPs see off Eala to book slot in today's final
Volleyball and Handball
By
ERICK OCHIENG AND ERNEST NDUNDA
| Dec 10, 2016
Kenya proved a hard nut to crack as they destroyed East Africa Legislative Assembly (Eala) 2-0 to sail to the women's volleyball finals at the East Africa Inter-parliamentary Games in Mombasa.
Team captain and Trans Nzoia Women Representative Janet Nangabo led the hosts in demolishing Eala in the two sets that Kenya won 25-11, 25-16 at Makande Gymnasium.
Eala lacked confidence from first whistle and Kenya took advantage to open a 7-0 lead.
The visitors called for a number of time-outs but all in vain as the high spirited Kenyans continued with their assault to win the set 25-11 in under ten minutes.
The change-over seemed to have worked wonders for Eala who resumed a rejuvenated lot and engaged Kenya in a cut-throat battle in the second set.
It was a do-or-die situation as the teams tied five times in the set. Kenya had to wait for a better take off at 14-14 tie up when the visitors could not contain the deadlock.
Sleek coordination involving Kakamega MP Rachel Amesso, Cecilia Ng'etich (Bomet), Regina Nyeris (Pokot) and Aisha Juma (Kilifi) saw Kenya beat the deadlock to ultimately win the set 25-16.
"We are grateful for this historic win that has seen us through to the finals. We are hopeful to win this trophy we narrowly lost last year to Rwanda in Kigali," Nangabo said.
Kenya is now poised for a battle with defending champions Rwanda who defeated Tanzania 2-0 (25-23, 25-23) in the other semi-final.
Kenyan men who defeated Eala 2-0 (25-22, 25-15) in the semis will take on Rwanda in the men's finals slated for today.
Rwanda, who are seeking to dethrone Kenya, beat Uganda 2-0 (25-19, 25-12) in the other men's semis.
Kenya will be led in the title defence by Teso North MP Arthur Odera.
"I am proud to captain this wonderful team. We have managed to win all our matches because of unity and determination. I am happy that the players have given their all in the matches so far played," Odera said.
Meanwhile, former Boston Marathon champion and Cherangany MP Wesley Korir yesterday won the men's 1500m contest at Mbaraki Sports Club.
Korir also led Kenya to bag the 4x400m men's relay with Uganda coming in second. But Uganda were no match for Kenya in the women's 4x400m. Tanzania finished second as Kenya settled for third place.
But Kenya was tossed out of football on head-to-head aggregate even though they edged Tanzania 1-0. The solitary goal was scored in the 58th minute by Jimmy Rogers Okwiri, a parliamentary staff.
Kenya missed many scoring chances including two penalties. Uganda and Tanzania sailed to the semis in the pool with better head to head record.
RESULTS
Women volleyball semis
Kenya 2 Eala 0
Rwanda 2 Tanzania 0
Men volleyball semis
Kenya 2 Eala 0
Rwanda 2 Uganda 0
Football semis
Uganda 3 Eala 0
Tanzania 1 Burundi 0
Athletics
4x400m men
1.Kenya
2. Uganda
1500m men
1.Wesley Korir
2.Julius Acon (Uganda)
4x400m women
1.Uganda
2.Tanzania
3.Kenya