Cameroon complete African Championship three-peat

Cameroon maintained their dominance over rivals Kenya on Sunday with a 3-1 (25-21, 25-23, 15-25, 25-23) victory in the 2021 African Women’s Volleyball Championship at Kigali Arena.

The Lionesses of Cameroon won their first African title in 2017 and continued that winning run into 2019 and the latest edition of the competition for a total of three titles, while the Malkia Strikers of Kenya are the undisputed queens of African volleyball with a total of nine titles on record.

Both teams were evenly matched in blocks and aces with 14 and five points each in the game. Kenya had a slight edge in attack 46-45, but the key was Cameroon's better end game that got them out of tight situations in the first, second and fourth sets.

Cameroon relied on the double-digit scoring of Moma Bassoko, who made 17 points off 15 attacks, a block and an ace. Christelle Nana Tchoudjang also finished with 16 markers created from 13 spikes and three stuff blocks.

Sharon Chepchumba led Kenya in scoring with 21 points, including four aces, while the block party for both teams was headed by Kenya's Gladys Ekaru and Cameroon's Emelda Piata who had five blocks apiece.

In the bronze medal match, Morocco defeated Nigeria in straight sets (25-19, 25-17, 25-18) to earn their first medal since their silver medal finish in 1987. They also won bronze in 1976.

Cameroon’s left-handed opposite Nana Tchoudjang was named the Most Valuable Player, while teammate Moma Bassoko won as Best Server.

Three Kenyan players also won individual awards including Mercy Moim as Best Receiver, Sharon Chepchumba Kiprono as Best Attacker and Gladys Ekaru Emaniman as Best Blocker. Moroccan players bagged two awards – Yousra Souidi as Best Libero and Alexandra Erhart as Best Setter.

Quick links:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Youtube