This archive report was first published on 12 January 2020.
On January 6, 2020, Kenyan beach volleyball player Yvonne Wavinya was in high spirits after a training session at the Flamingo By PrideInn Beach Resort's beach front ahead of the Africa Qualifying Sub-Zonal 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games Qualifier in Tanzania.
However, the team's fortunes took a turn for the better on January 7, 2020, when they defeated Tanzanian teams at Mbalamwezi beach in Dar as-salaam, Tanzania, reviving their chances of qualifying to the second round of the Africa Zone Five Tokyo Olympic Games qualifiers.
The two victories ensured Kenya remained in contention after registering mixed fortunes in the opening matches on Friday against Rwandan teams.
Kenya One team, comprising Gaudencia Makokha and Brackcides Agala, silenced Tanzania's Team Two of Kulwa Asedy and Nasra Msuya 2-0 (21-7, 21-4) in one of the matches.
Kenya's second team, comprising captain Phosah Kasisi and Yvonne Wavinya, dismissed Tanzania's of Zuhura Hassan and Junia Jovin 2-0 (21-17, 21-21-5) in the second match.
On Friday, Makokha and Khadambi beat Rwanda's Team Two of Judith Hakizimana and Seraphine Mukantembara 2-1 (22-20,18-21, 15-8), but Kasisi and Wavinya lost 2-0 (21-16, 21-18) to Rwanda's Charlotte Nzayisenga and Valentine Munezero.
Kenya will finish their campaign on January 8, 2020, with two matches, with Makokha and Khadambi facing Uganda's Kauthar Kagoya and Juania Nabbuto, and Kasisi and Wavinya playing Uganda's team of Sadat Nnungi and Peace Busingye.
According to captain Kasisi, 'We still have the chance of making it to the second round despite the mixed results in opening matches.'
