Abuja Nigeria, April 11, 2025 – Defending champions made it happen and are just a game away from retaining the title after beating Kenya Pipeline 3-2 (25-23, 26-28, 25-19, 26-24, 15-12) to set date in the finals on Sunday.
ZMK and KPC fought in this first semi-final game for a chance at the gold medal match. Players traded points to the excitement of the spectators. A good serve and counter block combination kept ZMK competitive. Mariam Mohammed spiked and then aced to ensure ZMK led. KPC played very well but ZMK secured the first set 25-23.
Pressure serving from gave KPC the advantage at the beginning of the 2nd set 8-2. There were some great plays from both teams including roll shots, tips and defensive pickups using feet. ZMK leveled 10-all. Miss hits from ZMK and aces from Trizah Atuka made it difficult for ZMK to go any further in this set and the Kenyans won 28-26.
Milca Da Silva started ZMK off in the 3rd set with a super spike and the Egyptians kept the pressure up to top. Top spiking from Mariam Mohamed and Tokka left KPC struggling. KPC cruised through much of the set with good hits from Jepkorir until ZMK got a run of points at the end when KPC concentration lapsed. Zamalek finally closed out the set 25-19.
Mariam Mohamed was on fire in the 4th set, hitting it off KPC defense, as they led 13-9. ZMK were running away with the set. KPC made handling and hitting errors and ZMK continued open the gap to 16-10 lead. KPC fought their live out to level 2-2 with 26-24 win. The packed stadium were loving the volleyball action and, of course, were supporting KPC on every point.
It was all to play in the 5th set. And it went the Zamalek way 15-12.
Zamalek will now wait for the winner between CF Carthage and Al Ahly.
