Kenya through to FIVB Grand Prix final
Kenya defeated hosts Australia 3-1 (18-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-14) in the semis of Group 3 women’s FIVB Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon.
This come from behind win secured the African Queens passage to the finals of the group, where they will meet Peru on Sunday afternoon.
Peru defeated Colombia 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-19) in the other semi final played earlier on at the same venue.
Buoyed by a partisan crowd at the AIS Arena, the hosts led from start to finish in the opening set of this match against a Kenyan side that took time to settle especially in attack and reception.
ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE
It required a tactical swap by coach David Lung’aho to replace first choice setter Jane Wacu with Janet Wanja to improve the all-round performance and get the African champions back on track.
Wanja, alongside Lydia Maiyo’s introduction in the second set would prove pivotal, with the duo spearheading significant blocks and attacks for the African side who rarely struggled in the proceeding set.
Kenya will be seeking to avenge the loss 3-0 (18-25, 12-25 and 23-25) they suffered at the hands of Peru in the opening leg of this competition in Mexico three weeks ago.