The Kenya national women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers will meet Rwanda in the semi-final of the Women's African Nations Championship on Saturday September 19, after beating Burundi 3-0(25-8, 25-9,25-11) in their third and final group match played at the Kigali Arena on Thursday afternoon.
Kenya defeated Tunisia 3-0 in straight sets of (25-20,25-19,25-21) on Wednesday to stay in second place behind reigning champions Cameroon and when they met the inexperienced Burundi, coach Paul Bitok decided to make a ring of changes, resting most of the first team players.
The second string side did not disappoint as they ran riot, suppressing the Burundians in less than one hour.
After a slow start to the championship games where Kenya lost to reigning champions Cameroon, the Malkia Strikers got back on track by flooring Democratic Republic of Congo 3-0 on Monday before a hard earned victory over Tunisia.
Tournament debutant Esther Mutinda once again rose to the occasion and she did well in tiding things for Malkia Strikers. Mutinda who replaced Jane Wacu in the squad earned her debut against the DRC on Monday and has integrated well in the team.
In the first set, the Kenyans made an easy meal of the Burundians, ensuring that they did not reach double figures. The second set was the same story and it was evident that Malkia had more experience at this level. The Burundians posted a better score in the third set but it was a Kenyan victory once again and they will be hoping to get past hosts at their backyard.