NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Giants Egypt gained the Africa Games Zone Five ticket with their third straight win against Kenya here on Thursday.

The Egyptians will now join Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria and hosts Morocco in the finals to be played in Rabat from August 19-31.

Two more regional games are yet to be played to determine the full list of eight teams for the Africa Games.

Kenya coach Moses Epoloto had high hopes to returning to the Africa Games since their last show in 2011 in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

However, he fell short losing to Rwanda and then Egypt. In the final seeding, Egypt emerged top ahead of Rwanda with Kenya third while Uganda finished last.

"Our team was not strong enough to challenge for the ticket to Africa Games. We return to the drawing board and hope the young players drafted in the team will take up the mantle in four years and end our draught," said Epoloto on Thursday in Nairobi.

Kenya lost 3-1 Egypt of 19-25, 25-23, 26-28 and 25-20.

Epoloto however said the margin of defeat was minimal and it is only a matter of time before Kenya topples their opponents.

"The team has improved and we lost at critical stages of the match. But we can take positives from it and hope to work a way round it to be at the next games," he added.

Although Kenya was already out of contention, it was the country's pride that was at stake and following the disappointment, Kenyans will have to wait longer to see their men's team grace the continental championships. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)