CAVB: KCB schooled by Zamalek in semis

Kenya Commercial Bank’s hopes of winning a third women’s African Volleyball Club Championship title were dealt a heavy blow as they suffered a 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-11, 25-21) defeat to Zamalek in a pulsating semi final played at the El-Ahly Sporting Club Arena in Cairo, Egypt on Friday.

The Bankers, under the tutelage of Japheth Munala, made a bright start to the contest; leading 14-12, 18-15 and 21-15 before taking out the first set 25-22.

That however seemed to be the wake-up call for the 2023 champions as they went on an onslaught in the second set, leading 15-7 at some point before rallying to win 25-12.

The third set wasn’t any different, as the Egyptian representatives took advantage of KCB’s inefficiencies in covering the back-court and blocking, and led early; 10-14 and 11-19 before closing it out at 25-11.

The deciding set looked to be a closer affair for the bankers, who by then were having trouble winning points, as after trailing 11-6, came back to within a point at 16-15.

The late rally took to the final moments, with Zamalek effectively punching their way to back-to-back finals.

KCB, who prior to the semifinals had only lost one set, booked their place into the last four after defeating compatriots Kenya Prisons 3-0 (25-20,25-22,25-17).

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