The Olympics went off to a rather tough start for Malkia Strikers after losing their opener match against the Japanese 75-49.The Japanese proved to be the better opponents after winning all 3 sets; S1 25-15, S2 25-11, S3 25-23 giving the Kenyan squad led by skipper Mercy Moim no chance at all. In the Opening set, the Kenyans looked quite technical and cautious to mistakes after a rather shaky offing that kept the hosts guessing in the empty Ariake Arena.
The hosts, however, turned to their more tactical part of the game once they realised the Kenyans were standing up to them as they turned more to using backcourt pipe attacks to get away from the well drilled defence from Edith Wisa and Sharon Chepchumba. Mercy Moim kept her A game as she delivered good services but the Japanese soon picked up their pace launching relentless quick attacks, Ishikawa emerging as the best scorer with 13 points from 41 successful attacks.
Jane Wacu, the squad's experienced veteran had a not so good day at the office after earning only 3 points as a setter against the tough Japanese playmakers. The Japanese put up a strong show in the second set, but it was a different case in the third set in what was a closely-fought fight in a much better show by Malkia Strikers. The Kenyans came close in the 3rd set at one point leading 22-21 but couldn't quite keep up with the Japanese pace.
It was a tough day for the Kenyans but they will now be looking to dust themselves up and gear up for the games coming up next. Malkia Strikers will be looking for redemption in Pool A alongside world champions Serbia, Dominican Republic, South Korea and Brazil.
Malkia Strikers fixtures in Tokyo :
Kenya v South Korea - Tuesday 27 July 3.45pm
Kenya v Serbia - Thursday 29 June 8.20am
Kenya v Dominican Republic- Saturday 31 July 3.00am
Kenya v Brazil - Monday 2 August 3.45pm
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