Despite a stinging straight-sets defeat to Rwanda’s APR, Nemostars setter Smith Okumu is refusing to hit the panic button.
In a game defined by razor-thin margins and officiating controversies, the veteran playmaker took personal responsibility for the loss while maintaining that the Ugandan giants are still well on course for the Round of 16.
The 3-0 scoreline (25-20, 25-23, 27-25) suggests a comfortable victory for APR, but the reality on the court was a high-octane battle that could have swung either way in the final moments of the second and third sets.
Nemostars entered the match with momentum following impressive victories over Egypt’s Petrojet and Nigeria Customs. However, they struggled to find their rhythm early against the home side. Okumu, often the engine of the team’s offence, was candid about his slow start.
“In the first two sets, we played as planned, but maybe there were a few jitters,” Okumu admitted. “We take the blame, including me, because during the first two sets I didn’t turn up. But I am confident that I will improve as the tournament progresses.”
The atmosphere in the BK Arena was electric, providing the big game feel the players crave. However, the intensity boiled over in a tense third set.
With Nemostars pushing the game into extra points (27-25), several controversial calls from the referees drew the ire of the Ugandan bench, momentarily deflating their comeback attempt.
“The atmosphere was very good,” Okumu noted. “It’s the kind of atmosphere that you want to play in, but sometimes some things happen in the game that turn you off.”
Despite the result, their first loss in three games, the math remains in Nemostars’ favour. With four teams advancing from the six-team group, their previous two wins have provided a solid cushion.
“We still have a chance to qualify, so we are still okay,” a grounded Okumu told the press. “We shall look forward to the games that are coming ahead.”
If Okumu can rediscover his best form and the team can channel their frustrations into their remaining fixtures, Nemostars remain a formidable threat to go deep into the knockout stages.