All Africa Games: Rwanda faces Cameroon in search of second win

Rwanda national volleyball team face defending champions Cameroon today, looking for a second victory at the ongoing All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

Rwanda endured a devastating start losing 3-2 to Algeria on September 2 before unexpectedly suffering a 3-1 defeat to Ghana on Sunday but bounced back to convincingly beat Seychelles 3-1 on Tuesday.

The 2011 semifinalists narrowly claimed the first set 25-23 and the second one by the same margin to take a two-set lead.

Struggling Seychelles turned tables up to grab the third set 25-19 before Paul Bitok’s men replied to steal the fourth set 25-19 and register their first victory in Brazzaville.

Talking to Times Sport in a telephone interview from Brazzaville yesterday, Bitok admitted how tough today’s clash against holders Cameroon is but noted that it is a do-or-die situation and players are ready for that battle.

“It is a tough call. Cameroon is a strong team that I have respect for on the continent. However, our hopes for semifinals are tied to this game. We will play our best volleyball, fight hard and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

We need this win and we are ready for whatever it takes,” the Kenyan trainer said.

Algeria, who beat Cameroon 3-1 on Tuesday, lead Group B with a maximum nine points while the latter and Ghana are in stand second and third with six points, each while Rwanda are fourth with four points.

Team Rwanda, is comprised of 74 athletes competing in nine disciplines including volleyball, cycling, beach volleyball, fencing, athletics, powerlifting, karate, taekwondo and tennis.