Where Malkia Strikers vs Egypt match will be won

Malkia Strikers are one match away from reclaiming the CAVB African Nations Championship title.

They play a highly tactical Egypt in the final at Palais Polyvalent des Sports arena in Yaounde, Cameroon from 6 pm (8 pm EAT) and coach Luizomar de Moura is hoping to guide his charges to victory. 

Asked where the match would be won, the Brazilian, while admitting that the North Africans are tactical pointed out areas that Kenya could exploit for a win. 

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Keep mistakes on a down-low 

"We have been following Egypt since we joined the team in 2020. I have watched their players in the club championships when they lost to KCB in 2022 and in their win against Kenya Pipeline this year.

These are the same players that make about 70% of the national team. They are very tactical and their technique is good. 

They do not commit many mistakes and don't give away easy points and the plan is to do the same by keeping our focus and defending their tactical attacks effectively," Luizomar said.

Perfect setting and defense 

The tactician pointed out Egypt's setters Doaa Abdelghany and Dana Emam as the game changers. 

"The setters are really good. Doaa is fast and speeds the game a lot and can make a huge difference for her team. However, if we stick to our defensive system we will have the chance to beat them," the head coach added. 

The last two meetings between the sides have ended with Kenya winning but the North Africans cannot be taken lightly. 

Revenge mission? 

The memories of the side denying Kenya a chance to play at the Rio Olympics in 2016 are fresh to some of the players in the team and as they go to battle, they will be out to wipe the tears of seven years ago. 

"We have constantly pursued the improvement of the team and they understand that we cannot give away easy points in any match. We saw that yesterday against Cameroon in the first set but we can attribute it to the atmosphere and the fans who pushed the home team to that win. 

In the final, we need to build on each point and hold on to any leads for a win," added the tactician. 

Self belief 

Meanwhile, semi-final's most valuable player (MVP) Sharon Chepchumba maintains that Cameroon was the toughest team to face and having beaten them gives the team confidence as they head into the final. 

"We will not underate them (Egypt) so we will push ourselves and believe in ourselves and in each other as we fight for this title," she offered.