Malkia Strikers shift focus to knockout stage after whitewashing Lesotho

Lesotho were no match for the menacing Malkia Strikers as the Kenyans played for an easy straight-sets (25-5, 25-8, 25-13) victory against the Southern Africans in the final group B match at the ongoing CAVB African Nations Championship.

It was clear from the start that coach Luizomar de Moura was looking to test different formations, making three changes to his starting lineup handing Lorine Chebet, Jemimah Siang'u and Belinda Barasa starting berths. 

Kasaya: New role a blessing in disguise

Sharon 'Chumba' Chepchumba, Trizah Atuka and Veronica Adhiambo were maintained in the first set that was a display of the clear-cut differences in levels between the two as the Kenyans terrorized their opponents for a 25-5 first set. 

One would be forgiven for thinking the Southern Africans were in the lead as their celebrations, for anything be it a good point, reception, unsuccessfully attempted blocks or even mistakes from the Kenyans, rent the air in the, expectedly, poorly attended match.

"This has been a dream come true for us. Playing Kenya felt unreal hence the celebrations for each moment in the game. Even without a point, we would still have celebrated going up against the likes of Chumba," 22-year old Moroesi Tolofi said after the match. 

She continued, "At a personal level, I adore that girl (Chumba). I have been following her career and watching her YouTube videos and I aspire to be like her. So you can imagine my excitement going up against my role model!" 

The script was not different in the second set, despite the Kenyan tactician introducing the reserve team as Kenya still dominated for 25-8. 

Malkia Strikers maintained the second team formation with Leonida Kasaya resting Agripina Kundu who had played the first two sets. Juliana Namutira and Rose Magoi also got game time. 

Loice Simiyu, Chebet, Barasa and Siang'u were all in action as the final set ended 25-13 much to the excitement of the Lesotho side, despite having lost by straight-sets. 

Atuka chasing the Olympic dream in Cameroon

"It was important for us to finish top of this group, without dropping any points and it is a job well done. Lesotho is not a bad side, they have an idea of volleyball but are only playing at their level. 

As we move to the quarters we are well aware it will be a different ball game but our focus and target remain the same, to win the championship and qualify for Olympics and we are ready," second-choice libero Kasaya said after the match. 

The teams will have a rest day on Monday before action resumes on Tuesday for the knock-out stages