Kenya Pipeline hammer ASEC Mimosas in Clubs Championships opener
What you need to know:
- Pipeline, under veteran coach Paul Gitau, were in control for the entire match that saw them claim the win in straight sets of identical 25-11 wins.
In Kelibia, Tunisia
Kenya Pipeline Wednesday began their African Clubs Championship campaign with an emphatic 3-0 (25-11, 25-11, 25-11) win over ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast at Aissa Ben Nasr Arena here in Kelibia, Tunisia.
Coach Paul Gitau named youngsters Tebla Simiyu and Winnie Akinyi in his first six and the duo didn’t disappoint as the Oilers overpowered the Ivorians in all departments.
“I am very happy with how the girls played, everything worked for us from reception, blocks and attack. It wasn’t really a big test for us but it’s important that we won as my players continue to adapt to indoor conditions,” said Gitau.
Kenya Pipeline middle blocker Yvonne Sinaida powers an attack against ASEC Mimosas' Prisca Konane during their African Clubs Championship Group B match at Aissa Ben Nasr Arena in Kelibia, Tunisia on April 21, 2021.
Akinyi’s powerful attack in the first set that sent ASEC libero Fieny Audrey tumbling on the orange carpet summed up what was a lopsided opener for the six-time champions.
Skipper Rose Magoi set the tone for the convincing win with three aces in the early exchanges as Pipeline led 8-4 on the first timeout before extending their lead to 16-8 at the second technical timeout.
Yvonne Sinaida helped herself to two consecutive aces before Simiyu’s monster block helped secure the set at 25-11.
Gitau maintained the same team for the remaining sets and the pattern of the first set recurred.
Kenya Pipeline's opposite Esther Wangeci (left) and middle blocker Yvonne Sinaida (right) block an attack from Patricia Tiehj of ASEC Mimosas during their Africa Club Championships Group B match at Aissa Ben Nasr Arena in Kelibia, Tunisia on April 21, 2021.
Coincidentally, Pipeline strolled to victory posting identical 25-11 scorelines in all sets.
An elated Gitau said he still has no clear idea of his first six and intends to field a different side on Thursday when they take on Ethiopia’s National Alcohol.
“I’m impressed with how the young players performed and I want to give them as much playing time as possible so that they understand the demands of this competition,” noted Gitau.
“I have too much quality in my team so definitely the other players who didn’t play today will also get a chance to play a full match so that we can be able to prepare everyone,” he added.
Thursday fixtures (all matches in EAT at Aissa Ben Nasr Arena in Kelibia)
National Alcohol v Pipeline 12pm
AS Douanes v ASEC Mimosas 2pm
Kelibia v Wolaita Sodo University 4pm
Customs v Carthage 6pm
CS Sfaxien v Muzinga 8.30pm
