Malkia Strikers thrash Nigeria to storm semis

Malkia Strikers are through to the CAVB African Nations Championship semi-final after humbling Nigeria 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-11)) at the ongoing games in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The match played on Tuesday, 22 August, evening saw Veronica Adhiambo walk away with the player of the match accolade. 

"I did not expect to be crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) in this match, I was just playing my game so this came as a surprise. I am, however, motivated to do better in the next match. 

I know my services are not where I want them to be but I am hoping to be more accurate as we get to the most crucial part of the competition," Adhiambo said. 

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Coach Luizomar de Moura did not gamble with his starting six as he stuck with the same players he has entrusted to get action underway in the crucial matches of this championship. 

Adhiambo, skipper Mercy Moim, Sharon 'Chumba' Chepchumba, Trizah Atuka and Edith Wisah on middle blocking duties and Emmaculate Nekesa as the first choice setter. Agripina Kundu had the libero assignment. 

Nigerian tactician Samuel Ajayi started Ijeoma Ukpabi, Comfort Ukamaka, Sharon Achi, Albertina Francis and Sandra Ozabor with Jummai Bitrus on libero duties. 

Kenya went ahead 8-4 early on in the first, capitalising on Nigeria's poor defence to rake in the points, forcing their opponent into a timeout to re-strategise. 

The break did little to change Nigeria's game as they found themselves trailing by the same four points at 16-10 and further at seven with the score reading 18-11 before Luizomar could make his first change. 

Jemimah 'Magereza' Siang'u was introduced for Wisah and she pushed Kenya to an 11-point advantage at 22- 11 before Nigeria could get their next point through Achi. The West African lost the set 25-14.

Wisah was back on the court for the start of the second set as Kenya went on a six-point-scoring spree for a 6-1 lead before Ajayi could make his first changes, bringing in Aliyat Usman and Kelechi Ndukayba for Achi and Albertina on the attack. 

Nigeria made progress, cutting Kenya's advantage to four at 8-4 but their rally was shortlived as they went seven points behind at 13-6. 

A momentary loss in concentration saw Kenya gift Nigeria two points to bring them to 11 points but Luizomar's charges were back on track to lead 22-14. 

With a comfortable cushion, the coach introduced Loice Simiyu and Rose Magoi for Chumba and Nekesa as the set went on to end 25-17. 

Just like the first two sets, Kenya was on a roll going a 7-1 lead and further at 15-5 before the tactician could rest Chumba for Simiyu. Moim was also rested for Siang'u at 17-6 as Belinda Barasa and Lorine Chebet came in for Atuka and Wisah at 20-7, the set ending 25-11 for the convincing victory. 

"We did not want to spent alot of energy in today's match as we have a tougher assignment tomorrow in the semis. We, however, had to keep the team spirit and morale going and we are now focused on the next assignment. 

We are going to meet a tough team in the semis so there is no relenting. We have to remain focused as we have two objectives in Cameroon, winning the title and qualifying for Paris Olympics," assistant coach Paul Bitok offered after the match.