Outside hitter Binta Fatoumata Bah delivered a standout performance as Kepler WVC booked their place in the women’s volleyball league finals for the first time after defeating Police WVC in Saturday’s decisive Game 5 of the semifinal playoff series.
The two sides had split the first four matches in the best-of-five series, setting up a winner-takes-all clash to determine who would join APR WVC in the finals. Kepler eventually advanced after beating reigning champions Police WVC in four sets (25-23, 16-25, 25-22, 25-14) at Petit Stade gymnasium.
Coached by Florien Siborurema, Kepler started strongly in the opening set and appeared in control at 21-15. However, Police mounted a late comeback to narrow the gap. A costly service error by setter Iris Ndagijimana, while chasing their 24th point, handed Kepler the edge as they closed the set 25-23.
Police responded emphatically in the second set, leveling the match with a dominant 25-16 win. But their momentum proved short-lived, as Kepler regained control by taking the third set 25-22.
In the fourth set, Kepler attacking duo of Violet Makuto and Fatoumata proved decisive, stretching the lead before the Beninese hitter sealed the match with the final point.
"I thank God for this win, and I also thank the whole squad for bringing their energy together. We are going to face APR VC in the final, so our next step is to prepare well for that challenge,” Siborurema told Times Sport.
With the finalists now confirmed, Police WVC will face Rwanda Revenue Authority WVC in the third-place playoff.