As the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary games marked its third day after the official launching last Monday, the East African Legislative Assembly considered to be the underdogs in the competitions pulled out shock wins against Kenya and Uganda.
On Thursday morning the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Men’s volley ball team locked horns with Kenya’s counterparts, putting out one of the best entertaining games so far.
EALA took an early lead with two consecutive sets 25-22 and 25-16, however Kenya made a remontada and bagged two back to back sets to set level forcing EALA to play the last decisive set that saw EALA winning it by 15-10.
“It was a very tough game…we have been training for this game because we were prepared for this and we have beaten them,” said EALA Volley ball team captain George Odongo.
Kenya’s Dan Wanyama hailed EALA’s performance during the mouthwatering clash vowing his team to come back strong, “The game was what it is today…but I want to appreciate EALA team they were determined. At the start of the game we underrated them but we have to improve in the next matches.”
In Men’s Basketball EALA thumped their counterparts from Uganda by 39-19 points, “I am glad that EALA has been doing well but it is very early in the tournament whoever wins will be great…I think we have achieved our purpose we have more than 1500 members and hopefully the games are entertaining,” said EALA speaker Martin Ngoga.
The EALA Women’s Volleyball team took on Uganda which marked the last game of the day but ended in a contentious victory after the umpire handed over a win to EALA as Ugandan players failed to finish the third which was the final set.
EALA had won the first two consecutive sets and was leading for the third and the last set when Ugandans boycotted the match, citing that the floodlights were too bright to be played under.
However, EALA and the match officials called for the match to resume but the Ugandan players couldn’t return on field to compete hence the match officials handing EALA a crucial win against Uganda.
Officials from the Ugandan camp confirmed that they are going to petition the game.
This Friday morning EALA will lock horns with Kenya in women’s netball while late afternoon the regional law makers will clash with new competitor Zanzibar seeking to get their first win after falling in the hands of Kenya earlier this week.