BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Brazil continued with their dominance over Malkia Strikers after beating the Kenyans by straight sets (25-14, 25-13, 25-12) the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Monday at South Paris Arena.
This was the eighth win in a row for the Brazilians against Kenya.
Despite the defeat, Kenya coach Japheth Munala who handed debuts to a number of players including captain Trizah Atuka, Pamela Adhiambo, Esther Mutinda, Emmaculate Nekesa, Belinda Barasa, Juliana Namutira and Veronica Adhiambo, Munala believes his side did well.
“The players tried their best especially in the first half and second sets although we didn’t go beyond 15 points. But you could see resistance of the team both in reception and attack as well as back defence,” Munala said.
“Our main problem in Kenya and Africa in general has been the reception, but I think today the girls received many balls well. We just failed to kill off those balls when we got them and allowed the Brazilians to capitalise on our own ball. Brazilians were very fast on the net, and that gave us some problem.”
Kenya captain Trizah Atuka said: “This is not the result that we wanted but I think we had some good moments especially with the reception which is usually for us on international scene. Our reception was quite good, we just had an issue with making the side out.”
“Brazil did well in their defense more so with the blocking. Despite that, we played and enjoyed each and every point we got today,” she said.
She added: “It was great to make my Olympic debut but at the same time it was quite emotional walking on that court. All the same I’m living the dream, and I just wanted to enjoy this match and psych the team regardless of the result.”
Kenya will face Poland in their next match on Wednesday before taking on Japan on August 3.
