体坛英语新闻：Kenya hosts Egypt, Rwanda in battle for World Championship ticket

NAIROBI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- There will be no love lost when hosts Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Egypt clash in Nairobi on Friday for the women's volleyball African Zone V qualifiers for the World Championship.

The tournament in Nairobi, which will last three days, is the first hurdle in the quest for the World Championship tickets.

The four teams are the best in the eastern side of Africa and will be keen to get the top two slots and make it to the Africa Nations Championship in Cameroon in October.

The teams will play in a round robin format with the best two ranked side heading to Cameroon where the winners will secure their ticket to the World Championships. Africa has only two slots for the world elite tournament.

The world's best 24 teams will compete in the World Championship, which takes place in September and October 2018 in Japan.

Kenya's head coach David Lung'aho faces an acid test to reaffirm the country's dominance in the sport especially having failed to make the cut to the World Cup top tier and the volleyball World Grand Prix.

But speaking in Nairobi, Lung'aho said his team is ready for the challenge of Egypt and Rwanda.

"Not that we are looking down upon Uganda, but Egypt and Rwanda have higher ranking and they have the experience. We have no fear for any team and we will do what we do best on the court," he said.

The other qualifying tournament is in West Africa. Egypt are expected in Nairobi on Thursday while Uganda and Rwanda are arriving Friday morning.

Kenya women's team has a target to do what their male side did when they claimed the regions berth to the Africa Nations Cup earlier this week in Rwanda.

The men's team, which is trained by veteran Moses Epoloto defeated Rwanda and South Sudan in Kigali to earn their African berth.

Following is the Kenyan team:

Noel Murambi, Edith Wisa, Leondia Kasaya, Triza Atuka, Violet Makuto, Janet Wanja, Agripina Kundu, Sinaida Yvonne, Beldine Akinyi, Celestine Nyongesa, Veronica Kilabat, Mercy Moim, Everlyne Makuto, Anne Lowem, Immaculate Chemtai, Jane Wacu, Edith Wisa, Yvonne Wavinya, Brackides Agala, Joy Luseneka, Shyrine Jepkemboi, Doreen Marani, Praxydes Simiyu, Nancy Mulonza.