Lady Volleyball Cranes sweep Senegal in African Nations Championship opener
Uganda’s Lady Volleyball Cranes launched their 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship campaign with a commanding straight-sets victory over Senegal on Tuesday morning, winning 25-21, 25-15 and 25-16 at Kasarani Arena in Nairobi.
The 3-0 Pool B triumph, completed in 72 minutes, earned Uganda the maximum three match points and strengthened their bid to advance from a group that also includes Egypt and Burkina Faso.
The final score suggested a comfortable victory, but Senegal made Uganda work in the opening set. The West Africans moved 19-17 ahead and appeared poised to take control before Uganda produced the match’s decisive response.
The Lady Volleyball Cranes reeled off seven consecutive points to turn the deficit into a 24-19 advantage. Senegal saved two set points, but Uganda eventually completed the turnaround 25-21 after 28 minutes.
With the first set secured, Uganda grew in confidence and took greater control of the net. The sides were level at 1-1 early in the second set, but Uganda established a 16-11 lead before scoring five unanswered points to stretch the margin to 21-11.
Senegal could not recover as Uganda closed out the set 25-15 in 22 minutes to move within one set of victory.
Uganda carried the momentum into the third set, opening a 4-1 lead and remaining in front throughout. Senegal briefly reduced the gap, but the Lady Volleyball Cranes pulled away from 16-10 and completed the sweep 25-16 after another 22-minute set.
Joan Tushemereirwe led Uganda with a match-high 17 points, comprising 14 successful attacks and three blocks. Captain Catherine Ainembabazi contributed eight points, while Jennifer Alungat and Scovia Alungat added six each.
Uganda’s greater efficiency proved decisive. They outscored Senegal 33-25 in attack, registered nine blocks against six and produced five service aces compared with Senegal’s two.
Uganda also collected 28 points from Senegal’s errors while surrendering 19 through their own mistakes.
The result was more emphatic than Uganda’s 3-2 victory over Senegal in a pre-tournament friendly and provides an ideal platform ahead of tougher Pool B assignments.
Uganda return to action against Burkina Faso at Ulinzi Complex on Wednesday at 11:00 am before facing 2023 finalists Egypt at Kasarani Arena on Thursday at 10:00 am.
The overall winners of the championship will qualify directly for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, while the top three teams will secure places at the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship.
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