Tag Archives: 2015 Women’s African Club Championship

Promising Youngster Mariam Metwally Selected Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship MVP

At 17y old Ahly’s middle blocker Maraiam Metwally shined at the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship and gained two individual prizes at the end of the competition as she was selected as the competition best blocker and then few minutes later she was surprised to be also the competition Most Valuable Player “MVP” before she was crowned with her first ever African title.

The Egyptian youngster was out of the main line up as Ahly had two experienced centers Ingy Elshami who played for the national team for more than 10 years and Nermeen Elmenshawy, who was one of the line up represented Egypt in the first ever Youth Olympic Games in Singapore 2010.

Mariam already started the competition as a substitute to Ingy and Nermeen, but when the first was injured in her right knee, she replaced her in the first match against GSP of Algeria where she was a key factor in the 3-1 victory that secured the top of Pool B in the preliminary round.

Later Nermeen was knee injured also in the semifinal against Carthage of Tunisia when Ahly won hardly 3-2 in exciting tiebreaker due to the efforts of the young center who was the only middle blocker remaining in the line up.

CAVB President honouring the MVP Marian Metwally
CAVB President honouring the MVP Marian Metwally

In the semifinal Metwally scored 26 points as the match best scorer including 6 kill blocks and 5 ace services as Ahly coach had to use his substitute opposite Rana Elgohary as a second center in the court.

Again in the final the promising star played more active role in blocking and serving helping her team to claim the first gold medal since 2009 to equalise the record of Kenya Pipeline who had also 7 crowns under their name. Ahly took over Kenya Pipeline 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-20, 28-26) in the final for their 7th title.

Ahly youngster had difficult time in her childhood when she lost her mother at the age of 10 years, but at that time she started her challenge to make her mother’s dream of being a great volleyball player alive. She started volleyball at the age of 9, but quickly she showed her talent as a middle blocker who had a good timing and improvement ability.

Early this season Mariam helped her team to claim the Egyptian league title for the 38th time after a great victory over their compatriots Shams who eventually finished the African championship at the 4th position.

other individual prizes are Best Spiker: Ruth Jepngetich (Pipeline) who was slected as best spiker. The best Server was Marwa Brahoumi (Carthage), the best Receiver, Nehal Gamal (Shams), the best Setter, Janet Wanja (Kenya Pipeline), the best Libero: Maraim Moustafa (Ahly).

The Best players
The Best players

Women’s African club championship’s Individual Prizes
· Best Spiker: Ruth Jepngetich (Pipeline)
· Best Server: Marwa Brahoumi (Carthage)
· Best Blocker: Maraim Metwally (Ahly)
· Best Receiver: Nehal Gamal (Shams)
· Best Setter: Janet Wanja (Pipeline)
· Best Libero: Maraim Moustafa (Ahly)
· MVP: Maraim Metwally (Ahly)

Final Ranking
1. Ahly (Egypt)
2. Pipeline (Kenya)
3. Carthage (Tunisia)
4. Shams (Egypt)
5. GSP (Algeria)
6. RRA (Rwanda)
7. Vision (Uganda)
8. FAP (Cameroon)
9. ARSU (Seychelles)
10. Injis (Cameroon)
11. KCB (Kenya)
12. Kutlwano (Botswana)
13. Saltigue (Senegal)

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Ahly Battle Past Pipeline To Retain Women’s African Volleyball Club Champs Title

2015 Women’s African Club Championship-Final

Silver medallists Pipeline
Silver medallists Pipeline

Egypt’s Ahly took over Kenya Pipeline 3-1(25-16, 23-25, 25-20, 28-26) to retain the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship following a thrilling final at 6 October Hall in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday in front of 2000 spectators.

The victory if the seventh for Ahly after 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2007 and 2009 to equalise the number of Crowns for Pipeline who have also seven titles under their name and also the fourth in the direct face off between the two African giants in 7 final matches between both sides.

Carthage of Tunisia topped Shams (Egypt) 3-2 (25-17, 31-29, 20-25, 17-25, 16-14) in the third place match to bag bronze.

After the final match FIVB Executive Vice President and CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani accompanied by the representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Dr Moustafa Azzam and Egyptian Volleyball Federation President Foad Abdel Salam crowned Ahly with the cup and gold medals, Pipeline with the solver and Tunisia’s Carthage with the bronze.

Ahly's Sherihan receiving the Trophy
Ahly’s Sherihan receiving the Trophy

Final
Ahly (Egypt) v Pipeline (Kenya) 3-1(25-16, 23-25, 25-20, 28-26)

Ahly’s middle blocker Mariam Metwally led her team to overcome Kenya Pipeline 3-1(25-16, 23-25, 25-20, 28-26) in the final match lasting 111 minutes. The 17y old who eventually was nominated the MVP and bst blocker led her team efficiently to claim the prestigious title. She scored 23 points to come as match best scorer including 9 Ace services and 4 kill blocks. Monica Biana was Pipeline scorer contibuting 14 points for her side.

Ahly started the match using the quick attacks through the efficient center Mariam Metwally beside using the service as a weapon to lead 6-2 in the first TTO. Pipeline started to recover as the setter Janet Wanja started to use her proper combinations to decrease the point deficit, but Ahly was in a good standard to stay ahead 16-9 at the second TTO. Ahly maintained their dominance through the sharp hits from the opposite Yunieska and the outside hitter Nahla Sameh to win the set 25-16.

Pipeline improved their reception in the second set and used the fast attacks through Ruth Jepngetich and Tizah Atuka. Ahly’s Yuniesaka spiked to lead her team to 8-5 at first TTO. Pipeline setter Wanja again led the combinations to come back to gradually till they led for the first time at any TTO 16-15. The motivated Kenyans continued to win the set 25-23 after a great struggle in the final points of the set.

Ahly again rebounded through the wing spiker with Sherihan Sameh doing a great role from position 4 to control the match. The opposite Yuniesaka sent her razor sharp hits from position 2 aided by Nahla Sameh to win the set 25-10 and lead 2-1.

The fourth set was the most exciting as the Kenyans maintained their solid block through Ruth Jepngetich and trizah Atuka to have an early lead. Ahly came back quickly by the second technical time out to tighten the score which went point by point till Ahly won the set 28-26 and the match 3-1.

Bronze medallists Carthage
Bronze medallists Carthage

Bronze medal
Carthage (Tunisia) v Shams (Egypt) 3-2 (25-17, 31-29, 20-25, 17-25, 16-14)

Carthage won the bronze medal after they flew past Shams Egypt in epic tiebreaker 3-2 (25-17, 31-29, 20-25, 17-25, 16-14) to improve their 4th position finish last year.

Opposite attacker Mariem Brik led Carthage scorers with 16 points followed by middle blocker Abir Othmani and Khloud Jenhani 13. Sham’s opposite Aya Elshami led the match scorers with 19 points followed by outside hitter Farah Ahmed 17 points. Carthage dominated the blocking (12-9), while Shams were better in service (9-5 Aces)

Carthage started the match highly disciplined and used their service to disturb Shams reception and succeeded to lead 8-3 at the first TTO with spikes from Fatma Agrebi. Carthage controlled the match with their motivations to extend their leading 16-6 at the second TTO. The Tunisian team motivations increased even when Shams big gun Aya Elshami started to send her sharp spikes and decreased the point deficit to 22-15 to finish the set 25-17.

The second set showed a completely different start as Shams used the wing spikers Farah Ahmed and Aya Elshami to penetrate the Tunisian solid blockers to lead 8-5 and 16-11 in the TTOs. Carthage had a successful come back to reach 23-20. Shams reached to 24-21 and lost 7 set points before the Tunisian team used their service to end the longest set 31-29.

CAVB President and officials in the VIP tribune
CAVB President and officials in the VIP tribune

Shams coach Ehab Hassan replaced his setter Doaa Orfy by Mariam Ebrahim as she started to use her combinations to allow her team to lead 8-2. Carthage improved their blocking through Abir Othmani and Marwa Brahoumi to 16-11 in the second TTO. Afrer Shams reached 18-11 Carthage made a great come back to 18-17 before Nada Hossam and Aya Elshami led the team to win the set 25-20 to narrow the score to 2-1 for Carthage.

Again shams had a great leap 8-2 at the beginning of the 4th set due to the sharp spikes from Farah Ahmed and Nada and continued leading 16-6 with the sharp spike services. Carthage again came back with the activity of Fatma Agrebi and Mariem Brik to 16-9 before Shams used Nada’s services to lead 20-13. Carthage struggled to save the set, but with service mistake from Marwa Brahoumi, Shams won the set 25-17 to draw 2-2 and extend the match to tiebreak.

The tiebreak was very tight as Shams early led with the performance of Elshami and Nada till they turned the court at 8-7 for Shams. Fatma led Carthage with her spikes to lead frequent times till they won the set narrowly 16-14.

The Best players
The Best players

Individual Prizes
· Best Spiker: Ruth Jepngetich (Pipeline)
· Best Server: Marwa Brahoumi (Carthage)
· Best Blocker: Maraim Metwally (Ahly)
· Best Receiver: Nehal Gamal (Shams)
· Best Setter: Janet Wanja (Kenya)
· Best Libero: Maraim Moustafa (Ahly)
· MVP: Maraim Metwally (Ahly)

The officials during the closing ceremony
The officials during the closing ceremony

Final Ranking
1. Ahly (Egypt)
2. Pipeline (Kenya)
3. Carthage (Tunisia)
4. Shams (Egypt)
5. GSP (Algeria)
6. FAP (Cameroon)
7. Vision (Uganda)
8. FAP (Cameroon)
9. ARSU (Seychelles)
10. Injis (Cameroon)
11. KCB (Kenya)
12. Kutlwano (Botswana)
13. Saltigue (Senegal

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Ahly and Pipeline set to repeat classic Women’s African Volleyball Club Champs final

2015 Women’s African Club Championship- Semifinal

KCB of Kenya supporting Pipeline in the semifinal
KCB of Kenya supporting Pipeline in the semifinal

Record holders Pipeline will face Egypt giants Ahly in the the 2015 Women’s African club Championship final after both teams fought for 5 sets to clinch the final spot against Organisers Shams of Egypt and Carthage of Tunisia in the semifinal held at 6 October Hall in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday.

Ahly rebounded after the injury of their middle blocker Nermeen Elmenshawy to win against Carthage (TUN) 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 24-26, 26-24, 15-11).

Pipeline (Kenya) rebounded twice from a set behind to beat Shams 3-2 (20-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-19, 16-14) in another grueling five set match.

The final will feature the biggest African giants Ahly and Pieline in the most repeated fial in th history of the competition, while Shams meet Carthage for the bronze medal on Sunday April 5.

Ahly (Egypt) V Carthage (TUN) 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 24-26, 26-24, 15-11)

Ahly team with the officials
Ahly team with the officials

Ahly Egypt won the epic tiebreaker against Carthage Tunisia 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 24-26, 26-24, 15-11) in semifinal of Women African Club Championship. The emerging Middle blocker Mariam Elmetwally played the greatest role in the victory and scored 26 points as the match best scorer including 6 kill blocks and 5 ace services. Outside hitter Fatma Agrebi contributed impressive 24 points for Carthage to lead the scorers of her side. Ahly qualified to the final, while Carthage play for the bronze medal.

The match started with Carthage Dominance through their middle blockers Marwa Boughnemi and Abir Othmani to lead 8-5 and 16-13 in the technical TOs. Ahly regained the rhythm as the Cuban Yunieska spiked well from position 3 to win the set narrowly 25-23.

Carthage led again in the second set 8-5 before the Ahly’s Middle blocker Nermeen Elmenshawy fell with knee injury. Ahly players disturbed for the rest of the set as the Tunisian Fatma Agrebi led her team to a wide win 25-16.

Ahly coach Hamdy El Safy changed the position of his captain Sherihan to opposite abd the Cuban Yunieska to outside hitter as the youngster Rana El Gohary replaced Nermeen in position 3 so Ahly decreased the point deficit gradually till they led for the first time 21-20. Carthage saved three set points with the great performance form Rahma Agrebi and Mariem Brik to win 26-24 and lead 2-1.

Again Carthage was ahead in the fourth set with the skillful combinations of setter Marwa Barhoumi, but Ahly fought well in defence and attacks through Nahla Sameh and the extraordinary blocks and services from Mariam Elmetwally to win the set narrowly 26-24 and extend the match to tiebreak.

Again Elmetwally led her team bravely to start 6-0 in the tiebreak before the Tunisians fought back to decrease the point deficit to 8-4 at the court turn. Ahly motivations increased to win the set 15-11 and the tight match 3-2 in 127 minutes.

Pipeline (Kenya) v Shams 3-2 (20-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-19, 16-14)

Pipeline spiking aginst Shams
Pipeline spiking aginst Shams

Kenya Pipeline fought for 127 minutes to clinch a tough victory against Shams 3-2 (20-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-19, 16-14) in the second semifinal. Middle blocker Ruth Jepngetch played a great victory with her 21 coming as the best scorer from her side. Shams attacker Aya Elshami led the match scorers with impressive 30 points making the competition best scoring performance so far.

Shams team started the first set in their optimum performance led by their attacker Aya Elshami to lead 8-6 before the Kenyan came back transitionally and came near through the skilful setting through the setter Janet Wanja. Shams coach Ehab Hassan shift Elshami to position 4 and Sarah Hanafy to position 2 and succeeded to win the set 25-20.

Pipeline led the second set comfortably after Ruth Jepngetich deployed her solid block against Shams attacks beside her role in the quick spikes aided by Monica Biana in position 4 to win the set 25-17 and draw 1-1.

Again the third set was very competitive throughout its pathway as the Kenyans had early activity before Elshami led shams team to widen the 16-14 at the second technical timeout with the proper blocking from Aya Ahmed and Menna Mohamed as the Egyptian team went to 25-22 and 2-1 lead.

Pipeline used again the quick attacks and the spikes of the opposite Esther Wangechi to control the set. Shams tried to come back and succeeded to decrease the point deficit gradually but Wanja led her team to win the set 25-19 to extend the match to tiebreak.

The tiebreak went point by point with both teams struggling to win but the Kenyans were more aggressive to win the crucial points and to clinch the tough 3-2 victory.

CAVB President Dr Elwani with international referee Nasr Shaaban
CAVB President Dr Elwani with international referee Nasr Shaaban

Ranking 5-12 Positions on April 4, 2015

11-12 12:00 Kutlwano (BOT) X KCB (KEN)

9-10 14:00 ARSU (SEY) X Injis (CMR)

7-8 16:00 Vision (UGA) vs. FAP (CMR)

5-6 18:00 GSP (ALG) vs RRA (RWA)

Final and Bronze Medal on Sunday April 5, 2015

Bronze Medal Match: 18:00 Carthage (Tunisia) v Shams (Egypt)

Final: 20:00 Ahly (Egypt) v Pipeline (Kenya)

Pipeline setter Janet Wanja after the match
Pipeline setter Janet Wanja after the match

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Nine Female Referees Write The History At Women’s African Club Championship

2015 Women’s African Club Championship

Women are essential part of volleyball, but at the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship which is running underway in Cairo, Egypt since March 27 and continue till April 5, the women’s role is more obvious.

As a consequence of the African Volleyball confederation Strategic planning of giving more interest to the women’s refereeing, the CAVB decided to make a new record for women referees through appointing 9 female referees among a total of 18 officiating the competition figuring out 50 % of the total number making unrecorded presentation at any volleyball competition in the world.

The nine female referees with  Refereeing Commission president Hassan Ahmed and Executive Director Howyda  Mondy
The nine female referees with Refereeing Commission president Hassan Ahmed and Executive Director Howyda Mondy

CAVB Refereeing Commission President Mr Hassan Ahmed was happy to see the great performance of the female referees in the competition specially because they officiated the crucial matches of the first round till now.

“All the women referees are now on the spot and I’m happy to see them applying the code of neutrality throughout the competition and also showing good character and respect,” Said Mr Hassan.

“We followed the strategy of CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani of giving more interest to the women involvement in the sport and specially in refereeing. We started our strategy 3 years ago when we started with only 3 women referees and now our female referees have become 35 and we are looking forwards to increase the number in the near future.”

The 9 referees expressed their happiness to conduct the prestigious African championship and commented that they are proud to present their countries and Africa in the international competitions.

The nine female referees  conducting the 2015 Women's African Club Championship
The nine female referees conducting the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship

The nine female referees are Taghrid Khattab (EGY), Eyike Marthe (CMR), Oum Therase (CMR), Moshira Moftah (EGY), Rim Chebil (TUN), Amany Rashid (EGY), Naglaa Talaat (EGY), Nadine Nibigira (BUR) and Maha Abdullah (SUD).

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Pipeline, Ahly, Carthage And Shams Through To Semifinal Of Women’s African Club Champs

2015 Women’s African Club Championship- Quarterfinal

Record holders Pipeline (Kenya), Ahly and Shams (both from Egypt) and Carthage (Tunisia) booked their tickets to the semifinal of the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship following their victory over GSP (Algeria), FAP (Cameroon), Vision (Uganda) and RRA (Rwanda) respectively in the quarterfinal matches held at October Hall in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday.

Kenya Pipeline surprised the defending champions GSP of Algeria with a highly disciplined blockers and backline defence to beat them 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-21) in 74 minutes, while Carthage needed only 66 minutes to fly past Revenue Authority of Rwanda 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-15).

Shams showed great consistency and power to overcome Vision of Uganda 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-10) as Ahly completed the semifinal line up after they took over FAP of Cameroon.

Shams setting
Shams setting

Now Shams (EGY) meet Pipeline (KEN) in the semifinal of the competition scheduled on Thursday, while Carthage (TUN) face Ahly (EGY) in a classic north African Derby in the other semifinal match.

Wednesday features 4 matches as Vision (UGA) meet GSP (ALG), RRA (RWA) battle it out against FAP (CMR) in the play off 5 to 8 positions, while ARSU (SEY) line up against Kutlwano (BOT) and Injis (CMR) battle against KCB (KEN) in the play off 9 to 12 positions.

Quarterfinal 1-8

Pipeline (Kenya) v GSP (Algeria) 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-21)

Carthage (Tunisia) v RRA (Rwanda) 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-15)

Shams (Egypt) v 3-0 Vision (Uganda) 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-10)

Ahly (Egypt) v FAP (Cameroon) 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-22)

ARSU receiving
ARSU receiving

Pipeline of Kenya showed a highly professional volleyball to hammer GSP (Algeria) 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-21) in the first of the quarterfinal programme. The Kenyan team clinched the first semifinal ticket as the Algerians play for the 5 to 8 positions.

Middle blocker Ruth Jepngetich played a great role in position 3 to stop the strong Algerian attackers beside her role in the quick attacks. Opposite attacker Esther Wangechi was her team scorer with 18 points, while Zohra Bensalim contributed 18 points for the Algerian side finishing as match scorer.

Carthage of Tunisia beat RRA Rwanda 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-15) in the second quarterfinal in a match lasting 68 minutes. Carthage qualified for the second year in a raw for the semis to play Ahly, while RRA to face FAP in the play off 5 to 8 positions. Attacker Mariem Brik led the scorers with 11 points, while Serphine Mukantambara led the losers with 10 points. The Tunisian led all the skills (31-17 in spikes and 7-4 in blocking) to control the match throughout the three sets.

Shams of Egypt cruised past Vision of Uganda 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-10) in the third quarterfinal match lasting 63 minutes. Shams used the opposite Aya Elshami to spike aggressively from position 2 making it easy to beat their weak point of the opponent block. The Ugandan team who qualified to the quarters in their debut at the competition played their utmost, but the experience was to the side of the winners. Aya Elshami led the scorers with 18 points, while Peace Busingye led the losers with 9 points.

Ahly used the strong service to overcome FAP of Cameroon 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-22) in the last of quarterfinal matches. The strong attacker Yuniska Robles led the match scorers with 17 points, while FAP’s Simone Bikatal sored 11 points for her side as best scorer. Ahly used the combinations led by setter Shourok Foad to end the job quickly in the first set, before FAP improved their reception in the second set to stay near till the draw 14-14 when Ahly again regained their efficient service to win the set 25-17. The third set was competitive again till Ahly used the quick attacks through the centers to win

Vision attacking
Vision attacking

Play off 9-16
ARSU (Seychelles) v Saltigue (Senegal) 3-2 (25-11, 25-12, 21-25, 15-25, 15-10)

ARSU Seychelles overcame Saltigue Senegal in a fluctuating epic tiebreaker 3-2 (25-11, 25-12, 21-25, 15-25, 15-10) in play off 9 to 16. Saltigue finished their campaign in the competition at the 13th position, while ARSU will continue for the 9 to 12 positions.

After ARSU led 2-0 comfortably, The Senegalese team showed their best perfroamnce in the competition to win 2 consecutive sets and extend the match to tiebreak. ARSU regained their rhythm in the tiebreak using their big gun Gerina Bonne to win 15-10.

Play off 5 to 12 Programme on Wednesday April 1, 2015
Play off 5-8

Vision (UGA) Vs. GSP (ALG)
RRA (RWA) Vs. FAP (CMR)
Play off 9-12
ARSU (SEY) Vs Kutlwano (BOT)
Injis (CMR) Vs. KCB (KEN)

Ahly celebrating the win against GSP
Ahly celebrating the win against GSP

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Best Regards
TAREK AL-ADWAR
CAVB PRESS OFFICER
CAVB

Ahly, GSP and Dark horses Vision complete quarterfinal line up at Women’s African Club Champs

2015 Women’s African Club Championship- Day 3

Cairo, Egypt, March 29, 2015- Giants Ahly and organisers Shams both from Egypt, Defending champions GS Petroliers of Algeria, FAP of Cameroon, Revenue Authority of Rwanda and Uganda’s Vision booked their tickets to the quarterfinal of the 2015 Women’s African Club Championship following the third and last day of the preliminary round held at October Hall in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday.

The 6 teams will be joined by Kenya Pipeline and Tunisia’s Carthage who already secured their qualification tickets earlier on Saturday.

Hosts Shams of Egypt set their second win against Saltigue of Senegal 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-16) to lead Pool A followed by Revenue Authority of Rwanda who were in rest, but secured their tickets to the quarterfinal. Saltigue ended their campaign at the third position.

Ahly of Egypt overpowered Kenya Commercial Bank “KCB” 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-23) to lead Pool B followed by GSP second as both teams proceeded to the quarters leaving KCB in the third position.

Pipeline already secured the top of Pool C with 2 victories ahead of FAP who claimed their first win against Kutlwano of Botswana 3-1 (25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19) as both teams confirmed top 8 finish.

Pool D featured a third win for Carthage of Tunisia over Injis (Cameroon) 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-19) to top the pool as the only team in the competition to have three victories. Vision wrote the history after they beat ARSU (Seychelles) 3-2 (24-26, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 15-11) to finish second and catch the top 8 in their first ever participation at the African peak event. Injis finished third and ARSU came at the bottom of the pool.

After a rest day on Monday, the competition will be resumed on Tuesday with the quarterfinal matches as Shams plays Vision, Carthage meet Revenue, Ahly face FAP and Pipeline line up against GSP in the peak of the programme.

GSP team with the officials
GSP team with the officials

Pool A
Shams (Egypt) v Saltigue (Senegal) 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-16)

Organisers Shams of Egypt topped the fighting Saltigue of Senegal 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-16) in 62 minutes to finish in the first position of Pool A with a win- loss ratio of 2-0. Saltigue dropped to 0-2 to end at the third position.

Shams attacker Aya Abdelmaksoud was outstanding in spiking from all net positions and succeded to score 22 points as the match scorer. Binetou Sow contributed 12 points for Saltigue as best scorer from losers side

 International Referee Naglaa Talaat from Egypt
International Referee Naglaa Talaat from Egypt

Pool B
Ahly (Egypt) v KCB (Kenya) 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-23)

Six time African Champions Ahly of Egypt used their spike service and the unstoppable hits to down Kenya’s KCB 3-0 (25-18, 25-10, 25-23) in 65 minutes. Ahly improved their win- loss ratio to 2-0 to lead Pool B and confrim qualification to the quarterfinal, while KCB dropped to 0-2 to play for 9 to 12 positions.

The young middle blocker Mariam Metwally who replaced the injured Engy Elshami was the match scorer with 13 points including 4 kill blocks. Naomi Too led KCB scorers

Pool C
FAP (Cameroon) v Kutlwano (Botswana) 3-1 (25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19)

FAP (Cameroon) fought for 107 minutes to cruise past Kutlwano (Botswana) 3-1 (25-20, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19) and secure the qualification ticket to the quarterfinal. FAP improved their win- loss ratio to 1-1, while Botswana team dropped to 0-2. Early on Saturday, Kenya Pipeline confirmed qualification as head of the pool with 2-0 record.

FAP’s outside hitter Simone Bikatal played a great role in the victory not only with her 25 points scored during the match but also through her wise leadership throughout the match. Karabo Molefna led Kutlwano’s scorers with 18 points.

FAP celebrating
FAP celebrating

Pool D
Vision (Uganda) v ARSU (Seychelles) 3-2 (24-26, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 15-11)
Carthage (Tunisia) v Injis (Cameroon) 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-19)

Vision of Uganda rebounded twice from set behind in their way to see off ARSU of Seychelles in grueling tiebreaker 3-2 (24-26, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 15-11) in 132 minutes of thrilling action.

The victory improved the Ugandan team record to 2-1 to qualify to the quarterfinal in their debut at the prestigious competition, while ARSU dropped to 0-3 to finish at the bottom of the pool. After the injury of the Ugandan team setter in the first set they suffered a lot to come back after losing the first set to draw 1-1 after great efforts from the match scorer Josphine Nammanda and Goanita Nabbuto. ARSU came ahead 2-1 again after their attacker Marielle Bonne played her best. Again Vision emerged in the fourth set and tiebreak to clinch the tough victory and secure the qualification for the quarterfinal.

Carthage of Tunisia overcame the shaky start to pull off a straight sets victory 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-19) over Injis of Cameroon to top Pool D the clean sheet of 3-0 Injis dropped to 1-2. Tunisian star Fatma Agrebi led her team and match scorers with 12 points, while Honorine Djakao led Cameroonian side with 9 points.

Injis team started the match in their best performance as their veteran outside hitter Rose Nkot played a great role to give her team the advance, but the Tunisian experience settled the situation narrowly 26-24. It was easier for the Carthage there after to advance towards a straight sets win.

Quarterfinal Programme on Tuesday March 31, 2015

Quarterfinal 1-8

18:00 Shams (EGY) 1st A x 2nd D Vision (UGA)
16:00 Carthage (TUN) 1st D x 2nd A RRA (RWA)
20:00 Ahly (EGY) 1st B x 2nd C FAP (CMR)
14:00 Pipeline (KEN) 1st C x 2nd B GSP (ALG)

Quarterfinal 9-16
12:00 Saltigue (SEN) 3rd A x 4th D ARSU (SEY)
3rd D x 4thA 3rd D- Injis (CMR) winner
3rd B x 4th C 3rd B- KCB (KEN) winner
3rd C x 4th B 3rd C- Kutlwano (BOT) winner

Pipeline And Carthage Booked Quarterfinal Tickets At Women’s African Club Champs

2015 Women’s African Club Championship- Day 2

Record Holders Kenya Pipeline and Tunisia’s Carthage secured their tickets to the quarterfinal of 2015 Women’s African Club Championship after the competition day 2 held at October Hall in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday.

The Kenyan team saw off Kutlwano of Botswana 3-0 (25-11, 25-4, 25-13), while the Tunisians overcame Vision (Uganda) 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-16) as both teams went to their second victory in Pools B and D respectively.

Revenue Authority of Rwanda played their best volleyball to overwhelm Saltigue of Senegal 3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-14) in what is considered a match of qualification for the quarters in Pool A.

GS Petroliers of Algeria regained their rhythm to achieve the first victory over KCB (Kenya) 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-10) after losing the opening against their African Rivals Ahly of Egypt in Pool B.

Injis of Cameroon regained their consistency to beat ARSU (Seychelles) 3-1 (19-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-20) and regain the hopes of a second round ticket.

Six tickets to the quarterfinal are still in action in Day 3 of the competition on today.

RRA Rwanda
RRA Rwanda

Pool A
Revenue (Rwanda) v Saltigue (Senegal) 3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-14)

Rwanda’s Revenue Authority played fantastic volleyball to overcome Saltigue (Senegal) 3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-14) in 72 minutes. The Rwandans improved their win- loss ratio to 1-1, while the Senegalese team began their campaign with 0-1.

Efficient attacker Serphine Mukantambara led the winner’s scorers with impressive 20 points; While Sow Binetou led the losers with 9 points.

GSP team with the officials
GSP team with the officials

Pool B
GS Petroliers (ALG) v KCB (Kenya) 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-10)

After losing against Ahly of Egypt in day 1, Algeria’s GSP regained their rhythm and improved their mistakes to beat Kenya Commercial Bank 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-10) in 77 minutes. The defending champions led by outside hitter Zohra Ben Salem who came as the match scorer with crucial 16 points and setter Fatma Okazi controlled the match through the spike service and the skillful combinations by the net. GSP improved their record to 1-1, while KCB started their matches by 1-0 ratio.

Pipeline coach instructing his team
Pipeline coach instructing his team

Pool C
Pipeline (Kenya) v Kutlwano (Botswana) 3-0 (25-11, 25-4, 25-13)

Seven time African champions Pipeline of Kenya claimed their second win against Kutlwano of Botswana 3-0 (25-11, 25-4, 25-13) in 57 minutes. The great difference of experience settled the situation for the winners using their veteran stars specially the opposite spiker Ruth Jepngetich who scored 13 points. The Kenyan team improved their win- loss ratio to 2-0 to book the first ticket of the pool in the quarterfinal, while Kutlwano begin the competition with 0-1.

ARSU (SEY) attacking against Carthage (TUN)
ARSU (SEY) attacking against Carthage (TUN)

Pool D
Carthage (Tunisia) v Vision (Uganda) 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-16)
Injis (Cameroon) v ARSU (Seychelles) 3-1 (19-25, 25-16, 25-18, 25-20)

Carthage (Tunisia) claimed the first ticket of Pool D for the quarterfinal after they cruised past Vision (Uganda) 3-0 (25-19, 25-11, 25-16) in 84 minutes. The Tunisians improved to 2-0, while the Ugandan dark horses dropped to 1-1 and keep their fight for the second ticket in the competition debut. The sisters Fatma and Rahma Agrebi played a great role in this victory till their coach used some substitutes in the third set.

Day 3 Programme on Sunday March 29, 2015

Pool D 10:00 ARSU (SEY) X Vision (UGA)
Pool D 12:00 Carthage (TUN) X Injis (CMR)
Pool C 14:00 Kutlwano (BOT) X FAP (CMR)
Pool B 16:00 Ahly (EGY) X KCB (KEN)
Pool A 18:00 ASC Saltigue (SEN) X Al Shams (EGY

Ahly Upset Defending Champions GSP At Women’s African Club Champs Opening

2015 Women’s African Club Championship- Day 1

Opening ceremony
Opening ceremony

Six time champions Ahly of Egypt started their 2015 Women’s African Club Championship in the right way after the beat defending Champions GSP of Algeria 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20) in the competition opening in October Hall in Cairo, Egypt on Friday.

In another peak face off Pipeline of Kenya flew past FAP of Cameroon 3-1 (25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 25-16) in another epic encounter.

Organisers Shams started their campaign victorious as they took over the emerging Rwandan Revenue 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-17).

The opening Ceremony was attended by CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani, the deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Ashraf Sobhi, Control Committee President Nasiwu Sadik and Egyptian VB Fed President Foad Abdel Salam.

CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani  speaking During the opening ceremony
CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani speaking During the opening ceremony

Pool A

Shams (Egypt) v Revenue (Rwanda) 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-17)

Organizers Shams of Egypt dominated all the skills to overcome Revenue of Rwanda 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-17) in Pool A in a match lasting 78 minutes. Opposite attacker Aya Abdel Maksoud scored 17 points as the best scorer of the match to give her team a big boost in the match. Serphine Mukantambara led the Rwandan team scorers with 15 points.

Shams team were better in reception and backline defence from the start to win the most difficult first set, but thereafter they used their combinations led by the setter Doaa to win the second and third set in easier way.

Organizers Shams Celebrating
Organizers Shams Celebrating

Pool B

Ahly (Egypt) v GS Petroliers (ALG) 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20)

Ahly of Egypt rebounded back after losing the first set to overcome defending champions GSP of Algeria 3-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20) in the most exciting match on opening day.

The Cuban opposite spiker Yunieska Robles aided the winner with her unstoppable hits at the crucial time of each set and scored impressive 20 points to lead the match scorers. Zohra Bensalem led GSP scorers with 17 points.

The Algerian team started the match in their optimum performance as they used the spikes of Zohra and the blocks of Aisha Mezmate to win the first set. Ahly players rebounded back and improved their defence to win three successive sets in their way to win 3-1.

Pipeline coach instructing his team
Pipeline coach instructing his team

Pool C

Pipeline (Kenya) v FAP (Cameroon) 3-1 (25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 25-16)

Kenya Pipeline fought for 104 minutes to clinch a valuable victory against FAP of Cameroon 3-1 (25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 25-16) in a big show for the record holders. The Kenyan opposite attacker Esther Wangechi contributed 16 points for her team as top scorer just equal to Simone Bikatal from FAP’s side who scored the same number of points.

After Pipeline started aggressively and won the first set, FAP came back with goods in the second set led by Bikatal to draw 1-1 due to frequent reception and digging mistakes before the Kenyans returned back through their efficient blockers to win the match 3-1

Shams team with the officials
Shams team with the officials

Pool D

Vision (Uganda) v Injis (Cameroon) 3-1 (13-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-15)

Carthage (Tunisia) v ARSU (Seychelles) 3-0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-13)

Vision Volleyball Club of Uganda set the first surprise as they defeated the experienced Injis team from Cameroon 3-1 (13-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-15) in 103 minutes of thrilling fighting. Injis started the match with the best performance to win the first set after the great spikes from Rose Ngo Nkot. Vision team rebounded back in the second set and succeeded to lead the net action through their attacker Josephine Nammanda and won 3 consecutive sets in their way to win their first match in their debut at the African event.

Carthage of Tunisia hammered ARSU of Seychelles 3-0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-13) in a match full of skills from the winners. Tunisian hitter Rahma Agrebi led her team scorers with 10 points, while Gerina Bonne was ARSU’s scorer with 7 points.

The Tunisian team used the experience of their tall players by the net as well as the skills to overwhelm the situation completely specially after the competitive first set.

ARSU (SEY) attacking against Carthage (TUN)
ARSU (SEY) attacking against Carthage (TUN)

Pool Composition

Pool A: Shams (EGY)- Revenue (RWA)- Saltigue (SEN)

Pool B: GSP (ALG)- KCB (KEN)- Ahly (EGY)

Pool C: Pipeline (KEN)- FAP (CMR)- Kutlwano (BOT)

Pool D: Carthage (TUN) – Vision (UGA)- Injis (CMR)- ARSU (SEY)

GSP team with the officials
GSP team with the officials

Day 2 Programme on Saturday March 28, 2015

D 10:00 Injis (CMR) X ARSU (SEY)
C 12:00 Pipeline (KEN) X Kutlwano (BOT)
D 14:00 Vision (UGA) x Carthage (TUN)
B 16:00 KCB (KEN) X GSP (ALG)
A 18:00 Revenue (RWA) X Saltigue (SEN)

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Giants Ahly And Gsp To Meet At Women’s African Club Championship Opening

2015 Women’s African Club Championship- Drawing of lots

African giants and 6 time champions Ahly of Egypt face defending Champions GSP of Algeria in the opening of 2015 Women’s African Club Championship due to start in Cairo, Egypt on Friday March 27, 2015.

The Drawing of Lots for the competition was held on Thursday in Grand Pyramids Hotel in presence of CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani where the 13 participating teams were divided into 4 preliminary Pools.

The opening day features also a strong face off between record holders Pipeline of Kenya and FAP of Cameroon. Injis of Cameroon play Vision of Uganda, Arsu (Seychelles) face Carthage of Tunisia, while organisers Shams (Egypt) battle it out against Revenue (Rwanda).

The Participating Teams
The Participating Teams

Defending champions GSP of Algeria are the heaviest favourites for the title as they had a training camp in Turkey for 10 days to prepare for the competition. The star studded team represented Africa in the 2014 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Switzerland.

Kenya Pipelines, the record holders with 7 titles, last in 2005 under their name are considered one of the major favourites for the title as they are coming with mixture of the experienced and young promising players.

Pool Composition
Pool A: Shams (EGY)- Revenue (RWA)- Saltigue (SEN)
Pool B: GSP (ALG)- KCB (KEN)- Ahly (EGY)
Pool C: Pipeline (KEN)- FAP (CMR)- Kutlwano (BOT)
Pool D: Carthage (TUN) – Vision (UGA)- Injis (CMR)- ARSU (SEY)

CAVB President Dr Elwani delivering the opening speech at the technical meeting
CAVB President Dr Elwani delivering the opening speech at the technical meeting

Day 1 Programme on Friday March 27, 2015

D 10:00 Injis (CMR) X Vision (UGA)
D 12:00 ARSU (SEY) X Carthage (TUN)
C 14:00 FAP (CMR) X Pipeline (KEN)
17:00 Opening Ceremony
A 18:00 Shams (EGY) X Revenue (RWA)
B 20:00 Ahly (EGY) X GSP (ALG)

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Egypt To Host 2015 Women’s African Club Championship

2015 Women’s African Club Championship

The African Volleyball Confederation “CAVB” granted Egypt the organisation of the 2015 edition of the Women’s African Club Championship March 25 to April 6, 2015 in Cairo.

The competition will qualify the African champions to the 2015 Women’s Club World Championship to be held in Switzerland May 5 to 10, 2015.

CAVB put February 28 as deadline for the National Federation to register their teams in the competition.

Egypt To Host 2015 Women's African Club Championship
Egypt To Host 2015 Women’s African Club Championship

The Women’s African Club Championship is considered one of the most attractive competition in Africa as it attracted 16 teams to participate last year. Algeria’s GSP is the current African champions after they won the last edition in 2014 held in Tunisia.

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