Cairo, Egypt, March 18, 2005 – Nigeria and hosts Egypt remain as the only two unbeaten sides at the 2006 Women’s World Championship first round tournament (Africa Pool A) in Cairo, Egypt after collecting their second victories in as many matches on Friday. Nigeria beat Botswana 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-22) while Egypt coasted to their second straight sets win with a (25-12, 25-12, 25-9) victory over South Africa, setting up a grand finale on Saturday when Egypt and Nigeria play in the final match of the tournament, with the winner claiming a spot in the 2006 Women’s World Championship final round in Japan.

Friday’s matches saw Egypt continue their winning rhythm thanks to their experienced star Tahani Toson and setter Yosra Abdelkarim after the exciting duo displayed some breath taking Volleyball, much to the joy of coach Hesham Badrawy. “I'm very happy to see my team play this well,” he said. “South Africa is progressing but Egypt still has pole position on the continent. We will now have to concentrate tomorrow to claim our third victory and a World Championship spot.”
Pic: South Africa's Vitalina Nel (4) on attack against Egyptian captain Tahani Toson(11) and Hamdy El shamy Ingy (10)
Despite his side losing their second match of the competition South African coach Abdelhamed Elwassimy was satisfied with his team’s performance. “We did our best according to our capabilities and we have actually benefited immensely from this competition,” he said. “I think we will improve in forth coming tournaments.

Nigeria, meanwhile, easily disposed of Botswana in straight sets thanks to some powerful spiking from wing spikers Esther Dusu and Priscilla Agera and go into the showdown with Egypt full of confidence.

Egypt, ranked 17th in the world, are the pundits’ pick to win the tournament and claim a ticket to the 2006 World Championship final round in Japan (the first on offer, discounting Japan and Italy who automatically qualified as hosts and defending champions respectively) but prior to the tournament Egyptian coach Badrawy said Nigeria, who are ranked 25th on the FIVB world rankings, are to be watched closely.

"We have a great chance to be the first African team to claim a ticket to Japan as we have a very experienced and skilful squad, but we shouldn't forget the powerful Nigerian team," he said. "Usually matches between Egypt and Nigeria are five-set thrillers, absolutely fantastic games.”.

The final day of the 2006 Women’s World Championship first round tournament (Africa Pool A) on Saturday, sees Botswana play South Africa at 16.00 (local time) and Egypt play Nigeria in the decider at 18.00 (local time).