Kenya and of Rwanda during their 2019 All Africa Games Volleyball qualifiers at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi on June 4, 2019
Rwanda’s men’s volleyball team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2019 All Africa Games have been dashed after Paul Bitok led side lost to Uganda 1-3 (25-23, 26-26, 18-25, 35-33) on Wednesday at the regiona Volleyball qualifiers at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi, Kenya.
The game between Rwanda and Uganda came a day after thrashed hosts Kenya by straight sets (26-24, 25-23, and 26-24) on Tuesday night.
The Rwandan side started the game on a poor side losing the first set by two points, and then played a 26-all in the second set before claiming the third set.
With a tie, a decisive and thrilling tie was played which Uganda won by two points, sealing a 35-33 victory over the Rwandan side.
This was Uganda’s first major victory over Rwanda in a men’s volleyball match since 1997.
For Rwanda to realize her chances of qualifying for the continental showpiece they will hope that Kenya beats Egypt in another game which was due to be played on Wednesday by press time and they beat Egypt in their final match due on Thursday.
Hosts Kenya along with Egypt, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania are playing a round robin tournament to determine the zone representative at the 2019 All Africa Games finals.
The winner of the five zonal tournaments across the continent will qualify for the eight-team final of the 12th Africa Games to be held from August 19-22 in Rabat, Morocco.
Apart from the zonal winners, CAVB will nominate two highest ranked teams to join the finals.
All Africa Games Qualifiers
Tuesday results
Rwanda 3-0 Kenya (26-24, 25-23, 26-24)
Egypt 3-1 Uganda (25-17, 15-25, 25-14, 25-20)
Wednesday fixtures
Uganda 3-1 Rwanda (25-23, 26-26, 18-25, 35-33)
Thursday Fixture
Rwanda vs Egypt
