Kenyan teams march on to African Club Champs quarters in Abuja

Kenya’s volleyball representatives Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline and KCB punched tickets to the quarter finals of the ongoing Women’s African Clubs Championship in Abuja, Nigeria on Tuesday.

Five time champions Kenya Prisons, who are eyeing their first African glory since 2013, had to dig deep to edge out Rwanda Police Volleyball Club 3-2 (25-23,19-25, 25-20,20-25, 15-10) in the Round of 16 at the at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Indoor Arena.

The Rwandese, boasting of former Prisons’ attacker Meldina Sande twice came from behind but were unable to complete their comeback against the 2013 champions who calmly won the fifth and deciding set 15-10.

Local league champions and 2022 winners KCB defeated home side Nigeria Customs Service with straight sets another Round of 16 clash while Kenya Pipeline spanked hapless debutants Spiking Stars of Botswana in a similar fashion.

In the quarters set for Wednesday, Prisons face record champions Al Ahly of Egypt from 2pm while Kenya Pipeline renew rivalry against APR of Rwanda from 6pm.

The Oilers lost 3-1 sets to APR in the CAVB Zone Five Club Championship final held in Uganda last month.

KCB take on holders Zamalek of Egypt from 8pm and the Kenyans will be eyeing a revenge against the champions who defeated them 3-1 sets in a thrilling semi-final clash last year.

Should the Bankers and the Oilers win their respective matches, they will set up an interesting Kenyan all-affair semi-final clash.