Joy for semifinal bound Pipeline as defending champions KCB crash from CAVB club tourney

Africa Women’s Club Championships title holders KCB Volleyball team were handed a shocker in the ongoing club tournament taking place in Tunis, Tunisia after being eliminated by little-known Mouladia Club Alger of Algeria on Friday.

The Japheth Munala-coached side, who were looking to defend the title they won last year after beating Egyptian outfit Al Ahly in Kelibia, succumbed to a 3-2 loss (22-25,27-25,25-20,16-25 and 13-15) in the quarter-final matchup played on Friday.

In the do-or-die encounter, the Algerians had been the first to land the first punch in the bout as they took the opening set 22-25.

A determined KCB, with their status as defending champions, however, made their intent known as they took the next two sets 27-25 and 25-20 respectively to turn the match on its head.

The reigning champions however appeared to have spent their energy in taking the lead as Mouladia powered to a commanding 16-25 win in the fourth set, forcing a decider.

KCB's quest for to defend the title would end in agonizing fashion as they lost 13-15 in the fifth set.

Following the results, local champions Kenya Pipeline remained as the country's sole representatives in the championship.

With all hopes on their shoulder, the oil merchants, led by head coach Paul Gitau, did not disappoint as they kept their hunt for gold alive by picking a straight-set victory against Cameroon's Nyong Et Kelle in the other quarterfinal.

Pipeline cruised to the semifinal with a confident 25-10, 25-13, and 25-21 victory that ensured their chase for the title they last won in 2005 remained alive.