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Setter Janet Wanja (left) in action for Kenya against Australia during their FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 semis match in Canberra, Australia on July 11, 2015. PHOTO | FIVB |
Kenya recovered gallantly from losing the opening set to defeat hosts Australia 3-1 (18-25, 25-16, 25-20 and 25-14) in a classic Group 3 semi-final contest of the women's FIVB Grand Prix at the AIS Arena in Canberra on Saturday.
The result secured the Malkia Strikers a tough rematch against Peru in the final of the Group on Sunday.
Peru defeated Colombia in straight sets of 25-16, 25-17 and 25-19 in the other semi-final played earlier on at the same venue.
Kenya's triumph over Australia - a third win on the trot against the Volleyroos over the past year in this competition - was achieved against a backdrop of reports suggesting discontent from senior players of the team, but played out before an expectant sold out crowd at the AIS Arena, that included Kenya's High Commissioner in Australia Isaiah Kabira.
Kenyans in Australia cheer the national women's volleyball team on during their FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 semis match against Australia in Canberra, Australia on July 11, 2015. PHOTO | FIVB |
Ruth Jepngetich #16 and Esther Wangeci #4 block an Australia attack during their FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 semis match in Canberra, Australia on July 11, 2015. PHOTO | FIVB |
Kenyan High Commissioner to Australia Ambassador Isaiah Kabira (right) follows the proceedings during the FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 semi-final match between Colombia and Peru in Canberra, Australia on July 11, 2015. PHOTO | FIVB |
"I'm happy we won, but again our without fans, we would not have won and I want to sincerely thank them. Our focus now shifts to tomorrow's (Sunday) match against Peru and hope that we will improve on our reception and post good results," Kenya captain Brackides Agala said after the match.
(READ: Disquiet in Kenyan camp ahead of FIVB GP clash)
The hosts started much better in the opening set of the 110-minute contest, grabbing a 7-6, 8-7 and then 11-7 lead against a Kenyan side struggling with reception.
A tactical switch by Kenya coach David Lung'aho to replace setter Jane Wacu with the experienced Janet Wanja improved the team's overall play towards the end of the set, but this wasn't enough to turn things around.
Wanja, alongside Lydia Maiyo's introduction in the second set would prove pivotal, with the duo spearheading significant blocks and attacks for the African champions who rarely struggled in the proceeding set.
Part of the action from the FIVB Grand Prix Group 3 semi-final match between Kenya and Australia in Canberra, Australia on July 11, 2015. PHOTO | FIVB |
"It has been long since we played here at home and playing in front of our fans is something to be proud off. We have lost to a better prepared team but hope to regroup tomorrow (Sunday) against Colombia for the play offs. The target now is to finish this competition in the medal bracket," Australia captain Shane Sloane said.
Kenya will be all out to administer revenge on Peru, having lost to the South American nation in straight sets of 18-25, 12-25 and 23-25 in the opening leg of this competition staged in Mexico three weeks ago.
http://www.nation.co.ke/sports/Malkia-Strikers-fight-back-to-storm-FIVB-Grand-Prix-final-/-/1090/2783804/-/guehsb/-/index.html