This archive report was first published on 25 July 2021.
On Sunday, the African queens, ranked 24th in the world, faced off against the fifth-ranked Japan in their Olympic opener. Despite the 15-25, 11-25, and 25-23 scoreline, there were several positives from the Kenyan team.
Coach Luizomar de Moura's charges showed great determination and technical skill, particularly in the opening set. They managed to rattle the Japanese team, who started nervously in front of the empty Ariake Arena.
However, the hosts soon settled and took control of the game. The Kenyans' well-drilled defense, led by Edith Wisa and Sharon Chechumba, was unable to contain the Japanese team's backcourt pipe attacks.
Team captain Mercy Moim contributed with good service, but the Japanese team responded with quick attacks. When the Kenyans struggled, coach Moura resorted to using the challenge system, which helped them pick up some points.
The Japanese team put up a strong show in the second set, but the Kenyans fought back in the third set, leading 22-21 at one point. Unfortunately, the Japanese team's experience ultimately won the day.
As the Kenyan team's coach, Luizomar de Moura, would say, "You can’t fall if you don’t climb. But there’s no joy in living your whole life on the ground."
