African Games: Malkia Strikers dust Seychelles to kick off title defense on a high

Kenya national women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers got their hunt for a third straight African Games title off to a positive start after seeing out Seychelles 3-0 (25-15, 25-8, 25-21) in their opening game played at MUH Multipurpose Hall in Ghana.

Kenya, winners of the 2015 and 2019 editions, got their game underway hours later than initially scheduled as the court looked not ready for the initially scheduled 1500 EAT kickoff, but when action began, looked visibly superior to their opponents.

Japheth Munala’s side after picking a comfortable lead - winning the first set by 25-15 after holding a 20-12 advantage at some point - extended their dominance in the second set, walloping them 25-8.

Opposite Pamela Adhiambo and the returning Veronica Adhiambo - who joined the traveling squad just a day from the championships - were among the standouts in the game that also saw brilliant net play from Trizah Atuka.

The third set was not a walk in the park as the previous two, as Seychelles initially took a 1-5 lead that they held through stints: 3-7, 7-10 and 8-11 before Kenya mounted a comeback to draw at 11-11 and 16-16 before taking their first lead at 20-19.

Malkia would eventually close out the whitewash at 25-21, seeing them take an early lead in Pool A.

The team will return to the court on Saturday 16 March where they are expected to play either of other pool opponents; Nigeria, Congo DR, and Algeria.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s men’s team - Wafalme Stars - have been placed in Pool A where they will play Ghana, Gambia and Chad.

The men’s competition begins on Wednesday 13 March.

Winnie Jemutai handed three year reduced ban for positive testosterone test