This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2019, Kenya secured its first medal at the 12th edition of the African Games in Rabat, Morocco, taking home a silver in women's beach volleyball.
The Kenyan team, consisting of Gaudencia Makokha and Naomi Too, faced off against Egypt in the final match, ultimately losing 2-0 with scores of 21-13 and 21-15.
Although Kenya started strong, they lost momentum to Egypt's quick and ruthless play, characterized by poor receptions and services from the Kenyan team.
Despite the loss, Kenyan head coach Patrick Owino expressed pride in his team's performance, drawing positives from the silver medal.
“Of course we wanted gold, but we lost concentration and focus in the match. However, I am happy for the silver because the girls did their best and for me, it is yet another milestone going home with silver,” said Owino.
The silver medal marks an improvement from the bronze medal Kenya won in the 2011 Games held in Maputo, Mozambique.
Kenya's beach volleyball team has been on a roll, having won a bronze medal at the inaugural African Beach Games in Sal, Cape Verde in June.
With the Olympic Games qualifiers as their next goal, Owino expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete at the global level.
“I think we are in an upward trajectory, and we are now turning our focus to Olympics qualifiers so that we can try and make it to Tokyo next year,” Owino said.
