Wafalme defeat Chad to register first African Nations Championship win

Wafalme Stars made a flying start following poor service from Chad’s setter Didier Yan-Hyabe and two brilliant spikes from Rwanda Energy Group’s outside hitter Nicholas Matui and Simon Kipkorir Kosirai to lead 3-0.

However, Chad roared back to level matters 3-3 after taking advantage of Kenya’s net and backcourt defence errors.

The resilient Central African side then controlled the game with powerful spikes and blocks helping them lead 10-7.

However, Kenya regrouped and clawed back with a rejuvenated attack before stretching their lead to 21-19 and prompting Chad into their first time-out.

The short break benefited Kenya as they stretched away to win the set 25-19.

In the second set, Chad struggled against Kenya’s rhythm as the Gideon-Tarus charges whitewashed them 25-15.

In the third set, Chad came back spirited to challenge Wafalme, but Kenya held their nerve to narrowly win 25-23.

Wafalme Stars lost all their previous matches to hosts Tunisia and Ghana in the preliminary rounds, followed by another 3-1 loss to Algeria in the Round of 16 to crash out of medal contention.