BJK Cup 2023: Perfect Kenya go top of Pool A after feisty Morocco whitewash Nigeria

Hosts of the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup, Kenya, had a perfect fourth day in the twelve team continental tournament ongoing at the Nairobi Club as they assumed control of Pool A following their 3-0 victory over Namibia on Thursday.

Having gotten the job done on their part, Kenya largely benefitted from Morocco’s 3-0 victory over Nigeria as the result ensured that the West African’s 100% start to the competition suffered a significant dent as Kenya moved into top spot on 4 points, one ahead of Morocco and Nigeria who are tied on 3 points.

Kenya, who had won all their opening three matches against Morocco, Botswana and Uganda in the first three days, started the day in easy fashion as Angella Okutoyi only needed 52 minutes in recording a dominant 6-1, 6-0 victory over Theron Liniques in the first Singles.

That result set the pace for the second Singles tie as Cynthia Wanjala overcame Lisa Lia Yssel 6-4, 6-2 to confirm that Kenya would get the point regardless of the outcome in the Doubles match.

The duo of Roselida Asumwa and Melisssa Mwakha did not drop the ball in their encounter as they completed the whitewash following their 6-1, 6-3 victory against Joanivia Bezuidenhout and Leandre Nabia Louw to complete the 3-0 win at Centre Court.

In the other affair on Court 1, Aya El Aouni got the Moroccan engine revving as she took care of Osabuohien Adesuwa 6-1, 6-2 after one hour and twenty minutes.

Team Naija tried battling in the second affair but a determined Morocco was not letting down knowing all their eggs were carried in that basket.

Yasmine Kabbaj just got out on top in the first set which she took 7-5 before once again saving set points in the second set that was forced to a tiebreaker, the Moroccan winning 7-6.

The result ensured that Kenya just need to beat Nigeria to give themselves the direct ticket to face Pool B winners for the promotion slot to Group II.

Anything less than a win will mean that Kenya would need to rely on favors or mathematical calculations to go through to the promotion match.

“We have had four long days. Today the girls will rest a bit early so that tomorrow we start our match with a bang. If we start the first match well, it will give us the motivation going into the second Singles and the Doubles,” head coach Francis Rogoi said.

Tunisia currently lead Pool B having won all their three matches against Seychelles, Mauritius and Burundi.