Brazil too strong for Malkia Strikers in Olympics opener

Malkia Strikers suffered a straight sets loss against Brazil on Monday afternoon to serve off their Paris Olympics campaign on the wrong footing in Pool B at the South Paris Arena here in Paris.

Despite running the two-time Olympics champions close in the early stages of the first two sets with debutant Pamela Adhiambo impressing with her hard-hitting attacks, the Kenyans failed to match the South Americans’ might on the court losing 25-14, 25-13 and 25-12 sets.

The pre-tournament favourites led by opposite hitter Rosamaria Montibeller and middle blocker Ana Carolina 'Carol' da Silva thwarted any Kenya’s hopes to win their first ever set or a match in Olympics.

Montibeller and 'Carol' da Silva were Brazil's main scorers in the match, returning 13 points each as they proved too strong for Kenya’s libero Agrippina Kundu who could not contain their powerful attacks.

Middle blocker Thaisa Menezes had 11 points, with seven kills and four blocks while opposite hitter Adhiambo, who filled Sharon Chepchumba’s void perfectly, came out as Kenya's most productive player, delivering seven points (six kills, one block).

Overall, the Brazilians were better in all skills, outscoring the Kenyans in kills (42 to 21), blocks (16 to three) and aces (two to zero).

Malkia Strikers head coach Japheth Munala started with captain and reigning African best middle blocker Trizah Atuka, setter Esther Mutinda, Veronica Adhiambo, Pamela Adhiambo, Leonida Kasaya, Belinda Barasa and Aggripina Kundu.

Atuka, Mutinda, Adhiambo, Pamela and Belinda Barasa made their maiden appearance for the national team in the Olympics.

“I’m very happy to have finally played in the Olympics. It’s every player’s dream to be an Olympian. What is remaining now is to help the team get their first set win in the Olympics. We played well but Brazil was too good for us,” said Mutinda.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Munala said the team improved on reception but admitted the Tokyo Olympics silver medalists were too strong for his charges.

“We were good in reception and that was a good sign ahead of the remaining matches, but we must admit Brazil is a good side. Their backcourt defence was perfect and they ensured that our attackers were contained. They also attacked very well and in general they showed they are a great team.”

Munala however said he had no doubt the team was on an upward trajectory and promised to change tactics against red-hot Poland, who also boast one of the best attackers.

“We will need to change how we will attack against Poland because we also have very tall middle blockers and a very good defence.”

Munala’s sentiments were echoed by Adhiambo who added that after failing to unlock the Brazil defence, they will consider touch outs if they are to edge former European champions Poland.

“We tried too hard against Brazil but they were very good in their backcourt defending and also their blocking formation was quite good and that made our attacks fail to materialise. We will need to change tactics against Poland and if possible we will use touch outs.”

Malkia Strikers search for a win in the Olympics continues against Poland on Wednesday while Brazil tackle former champions Japan.

Japan lost 3-1 sets against Poland in their opening fixture on Sunday.