NAIROBI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenya must beat Cameroon if they are to retain any hope of reaching the semifinals of the Under-20 women's volleyball Africa Nations Championship in Nairobi.
Kenya's cruise was halted by Nigeria on Wednesday when they lost 3-1 with scores of 19-25, 26-24, 25-18 and 25-23.
Head coach Paul Gitau has not given up hope and believes his side will find the extra strength to make the last four.
"We still have our chances. A win against Cameroon will see us finish second in our pool and that is enough to secure us a ticket to the semifinals," said Gitau on Thursday in Nairobi.
Favorites Cameroon are yet to lose a match, having defeated Nigeria and Tanzania, and will be looking to put the final nail in Kenya's coffin.
However, having already secured qualification to the semifinals, there is a possibility that Cameroon may field a weakened side in their tie with Kenya, though Gitau is not banking on this eventuality.
"It is down to us and not on expecting Cameroon to field a weakened side. We need to work hard and rectify our previous mistakes to win the match," Gitau said.
Nigeria, who lost their opening match against Cameroon, will be hoping Kenya stumble against their West African opponents.
Should Kenya qualify, they will be up against defending champions Egypt, who currently lead Pool B after winning three consecutive matches.
Rwanda sailed through as Pool B runners-up after edging Uganda in straight sets on Wednesday. The other team in the group is Mauritius.
Egypt have won the age group competition since 2002. However, Cameroon and Nigeria stand out as strong challengers for the title, and will take their fight to the Pharaohs' doorstep.
Both Sunday's finalists will secure a direct ticket to the World Under-20 Championships next year in Japan.
