Classification Matches : Teams Seek Rankings

After the group stage of the 21st Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship focus is now on classification matches to position the teams according to merit. Classification matches for the fifth to the 12th place ended at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex yesterday August 23, 2023. 
On Tuesday, August 22, 2023 Mali beat Lesotho 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-19) at the Mfandena Gymnasium. The first set was in favour of Lesotho who were leading with a score of 8-0, but they did not maintain their domination for long. Mali came up much stronger benefiting from mistakes made by Lesotho particularly in the defence and bad services. That gave the Malians an advantage and they won the set (25-13). Mali had full control in the second set as they had changed tactics. Lesotho became reluctant in the game and they continued with bad services and other mistakes giving the points to the Malian team. Mali won the set (25-16). 
The Malians continued with their winning spree in the third set as they won their entire services. Yiramba Kadiatou, team captain, galvanizing her team at the level of the defence. Lesotho had difficulties in their service and were unable to make points. That gave the lead to the Malians that won the set (25- 19). The victory enabled Mali to finish on the ninth position of the Women African Nations Volleyball Championship. During the five matches in the competition, Mali have won three times and lost twice while Burkina Faso have won two and lost three matches. Still at the Mfande...