Kenya Ports Authority KPA beat Ethiopia's Madda Walabu University 3-2 as the men's African Clubs Volleyball Championship served off in Kelibia, Tunisia on Sunday.
The five-set thriller match saw KPA bag the first set 25-21. The varsity side emerged from the ashes to reign supreme in the second set 25-21.
Despite going toe to toe, KPA made it 2-1 courtesy of 28-26 scoreline. Madda restored parity by taking the fourth set 25-21 before the coastal side held on to win the decider 15-13.
KPA who are in pool 'C' play Injis of Ivory coast today. KPA finished fifth last year in their maiden appearance and are tipped to go one step better this time.
KPA coach Sammy Mulinge said:"The plan was to start well but of course we won with a lot of mistakes. Madda were good on both attack and defense while we had lapses on our blocks. A lapse in concentration made us change our attacking format," Mulinge remarked.
"It's a must win against Injis if we have to stand a chance to progress to the next stage."
Mulinge, the former APR of Rwanda coach made history by guiding the national women's beach volleyball team to their historic appearance in the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games.
Elsewhere, debutants Equity Bank fired blanks against Customs of Nigeria. The bankers lost in straight sets of 25-21,25 -12 and 25-19. Placed in pool 'D' Equity will rub shoulders with Rwanda's Gisagara in their second match.
The General Service Unit GSU and Kenya Prisons pulled out of the competition due to logistical challenges.
In other result, in pool ‘D’ Gisagara from Rwanda got the better of Cameroon's Port Douala 3-1( 25 - 18, 20 - 25, 25-21,31 - 29).
Editing by Tony Mballa
