Paul Bitok turned against his motherland when he led Rwanda to five sets victory against Kenya in ongoing 2014 FIVB Men World Championships Qualifiers Africa Group Q in Kigali.
Rwanda, playing before a capacity crowd at Amahoro Complex gymnasium last night, won the crucial match 3-2 (25-18, 25-20, 21-25, 22-25, 15-13) to Kenya Secretary General Evans Wasike who is in Kigali said they lost the first two sets “too easily” but settled in the fourth and third set to give Rwanda advantage.
The Gideon Chenje charges then lost concentration towards the end of the deciding set which they at one time led 5-3 and 9-7 before the Rwandese allied to bring the scores level at 9-9.
Inspired by the late onslaught, Rwanda improved their game to open two points lead at 9-11 before inching closer to match victory at 14-13.
It was advantage Rwanda with Kenya in service position, but the home team did not need to struggle to get the crucial point. Philip Maiyo hit the blue/yellow mikassa ball straight into the net to sending jubilant Rwandese into remarkable celebrations.
The defeat has not dimmed Kenya’s hope of playing in the final round of the competition scheduled for January/February.
Kenya need to win its remaining matches one against Uganda (yesterday) and Burundi (today) to finish among top two teams in the zones and advance to next round.
Chances of the top two teams being decided on sets ratio exist, as Rwanda and Kenya may tie on points at the end of the competition.
If Kenya tops the Kigali show then they would join Algeria, Nigeria, Cape Verde and Botswana in one of the two groups to battle in the final qualification round.
Source: The Standard Digital
UM– USEKE.RW
