Hosts Egypt beat Senegal in their opening match ©CAVB

Hosts Egypt, holders Cameroon and record-winners Kenya all began with victories as the Women's African Volleyball Championship opened today in Cairo.

All three countries won in straight sets as a slimmed-down version of the tournament began at the 6 October Hall.

Egypt won the only Pool A match held on the opening day as they brushed aside Senegal 25-15, 25-21, 25-19.

They have won the continental event three times and are aiming for a first success since 2003.

Cameroon won their maiden title on home soil in Yaounde last time out in 2017 and opened with a 25-12, 25-17, 25-10 victory over Botswana in Pool B.

Kenya, who won five out of the six tournaments held since 2005 and are hopeful of a 10th continental success in all, saw off 1999 champions Algeria 25-19, 25-21, 25-21 in the second Pool B fixture.

Only seven teams are contesting the event after Tunisia, Ghana, Libya, Rwanda, Chad, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Lesotho all withdrew.

The tournament has been slimmed down to seven teams due to withdrawals ©CAVB
The tournament has been slimmed down to seven teams due to withdrawals ©CAVB

It means there are only three teams in Pool A which also includes Morocco.

The top two countries from each pool will reach the semi-finals.

Tomorrow's games will see Egypt face the Moroccans while knowing that a victory would send them through as pool winners.

In Pool B, Cameroon will play Algeria and Kenya will meet Botswana.

Wins for Cameroon and Kenya would also send them through to the last four.

The final is scheduled for Sunday (July 14).