Algeria Men’s volleyball team finalises their preparation for the 2016 Men’s African Olympic qualifiers in a training camp in Poland until January 3, 2015.
The African Olympic qualification tournament due to start on January 7 will hosted by Congo Brazzaville, where the winner will book a direct ticket to Rio de Janeiro, while the second and third ranked teams will have another chance of qualification though the World Olympic qualifiers.
The camp in Poland will include some friendly matches which will be the last stage of preparations. The Algerian team enters the qualification as heavy favourites as they had a star studded team that won the gold medal of the 2015 All Africa Games early in September.
Algeria celebrate their gold medal win at the 2015 All Afirca Games
The head coach Mouloud Ikhedji selected the team squad of ; Dekkiche akram, Dekkiche ayoub, Kessai khaled, Assam samy, Achouri Ilyes, Ould cherchali islam, Oumsaad amine, Kerboua amir, Heddad seddam, Ikken boudjemaa, Abiayad walid, Bouyoucef sofiane, Bourouba youcef, Aid zakaria and El hadi abdelkader.
Egypt Men’s Volleyball team are preparing for the final stage of preparations for the 2016 Men’s African Olympic qualifiers to be hosted by Congo Brazzaville January 7 to 14, 2016. The Egyptian Team will enter a training camp in Finland ahead of the qualifiers.
Ahmed Abdelhay of Egypt
The camp starts December 27 and continues until January 2 and it also includes 3 friendly matches against the Finnish team which is considered the last stage of preparations for the qualifiers.
Egypt have qualified 3 times in the past to the Olympics in Los Angeles 1984, Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008.
The technical staff led by the Italian head coach Gulineli Flavio who took over the responsibility of handling the team a few weeks ago will select the final squad of 14 players after this camp.
Egypt will miss the experienced outside hitter Mohamed Abdelmoniem and the middle blocker Mohamed Adel in the qualification tournament due to injuries.
Congo Brazzaville is now getting ready to host the historic 2016 Men’s African Qualification tournament for Rio de Janeiro which will feature a record of participating countries.
The qualifiers will be hosted in Brazzaville January 7 to 14, 2016 in presence of 23 countries competing for the African slot at the 2016 Olympics, while the runner up and third placed teams will have other opportunities throughout the World Olympic qualifiers.
At the top of the list of participants comes Tunisia who qualified to the last Olympics in London 2012. Tunisia carries the record of qualification to the Sports prestigious event with 6 times at the Olympics 1972 (Munich), 1984 (Los Angeles), 1988 (Seoul), 1996 (Atlanta), 2004 (Athens) and 2012 (London). Beijing
Tunisia’a outside hitter Ismail Moalla in action
With a star studded team, Egypt wants to continue their successful run in the last 10 years during which they grabbed the African Nations Championship’s title for 6 consecutive times. They also want to revenge their defeat against their compatriots Tunisia in the last qualifiers in Cameroon 2012. Egypt qualified to the Olympic Games in 3 occasions: 1984 (Los Angeles), 2000 (Sydney) and 2008 (Beijing).
With a promising team, Algeria dream to qualify to the Olympic after 26 y of absence since their last qualification in Barcelona 1992 which is the only time they existed in the quadrennial event. The team comprising of youngsters won early this year the gold medal at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.
All Africa Games big surprise Congo Brazzaville who stood for the first time in the silver medal podium come as a new force aiming for the first qualification for the Olympics.
Congo team celebrating during the last AAG
The registered teams for the Olympic qualifier are Algeria, Tunisia, Gambia, Cape Verde, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Congo RDC, Cameroon, Gabon, Kenya, Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Madagascar and Senegal
History of African qualifiers for Olympic Games
– Tunisia : 6 times: 1972 (Munich), 1984 (Los Angeles), 1988 (Seoul), 1996 (Atlanta), 2004 (Athens), 2012 (London).
– Egypt : 3 times : 1984 (Los Angeles), 2000 (Sydney), 2008 (Beijing).
– Algeria : 1 time : 1992 (Barcelona).
– Libya : 1 time : 1980 (Moscow).
African Volleyball Confederation “CAVB” selected Congo Brazzaville to host the historic Men’s African Olympic Qualification Tournament January 7 to 14, 2016.
The prestigious event will attract 22 National teams which is a new record for the Olympic qualifying tournaments. The registered countries are Algeria, Tunisia, Gambia, Cape Verde, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana, Central Africa, Congo Brazzaville, Congo RDC, Cameroon, Gabon, Kenya, Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Madagascar.
The CAVB has set a deadline of November 20, 2015 for all participating team to submit their the documents of participation.
Tunisia were the last qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics, while Egypt qualified to Beijing 2008.
The Gambia men and women beach volleyball team are up again for the second round of the Continental cup, a qualification competition for Rio Olympic Games. Gambia is paired in Group B along with Ghana, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Gabon and host Cote d’Ivoire for men, while the Women’s grouping will see Gambia faces Senegal – Burkina Faso – Ghana – Congo Brazzaville and Congo RDC.
The qualifiers are scheduled from November 11th to 16th in Ivorian Capital, Abidjan and the Gambia’s participation is fully funded by the Gambia National Olympic Committee under the leadership of Momodou Dibba.
Speaking earlier to Volleyball executives Dibba expressed his satisfaction on the progress made in volleyball and the recent exploits in Zone II. He reaffirmed his board continued support and urged the team to make Gambia proud. I want to see Gambia make it to the Rio Games and I am ready to support in all aspects Dibba concluded.
We are morally and spiritually prepared to meet any task down in Ivory Coast, Coach Ebrima Nyass said: “We are at the highest standard and our recent participation in the 11th All Africa Games has added more confidence and has also generated more experience for us in beach volleyball”.
Nyass said he is comfortable with the grouping and his men had already played against great volleyball nations like Angola, Nigeria, and Mozambique among others so the grouping is not considered to difficult for him. He sounded hopeful of his team creating an upset at the competition.
We are ready to make Gambia proud again, senior player Malick Jammeh said. “we are expecting a positive result in Ivory Coast and I am sure we will make it through to the final stage Jammeh assured”. The Gambian delegation leaves Banjul international Airport on November 9th to Abidjan via Dakar and returns on November 17th.
Gambia Beach Volleyball Team Celebrates success At The Continental Cup Sub Zonal qualifiers
Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri and Olufunke Oshonaike have qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games after making it to the semifinal stage of the singles event of the 2015 African Games in Congo Brazzaville.
With this qualification, Quadri who defeated Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh 4-1 in the quarterfinal will be making his second appearance at the games after his excellent debut in 2012 when he made it to the second round.
Aruna Quadri
For the semifinal tie, Quadri will battle against Egypt’s Khalid Assar who edged out Nigeria’s Ojo Onaolapo in the quarterfinal.
Beside Quadri who secured a place at the Olympics, other players are Egypt’s Assar brothers, Omar and Khalid as well as Chinese-born Wang Jianan who defeated Segun Toriola 4-1 in the quarterfinal.
For Oshonaike, it’s a dream come true as she has equaled Segun Toriola’s sixth appearance at the games having made her debut at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in United States.
To confirm her slot, Oshonaike defeated Egypt’s Yousra Helmy 4-2 to set up a semifinal clash against another Egyptian Nadeen El-Dawlatly on Saturday September 19.
Funke Oshonaike
The other three players that secured Olympics slots alongside Oshonaike are Egypt’s Dina Meshref and Nadeen El-Dawlatly as well as Chinese-born Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing.
The semifinal and final matches hold on Saturday September 19.
Algeria retained the gold medal of Men’s All Africa after they overcame hosts Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-20,25-22, 27-25) in front of packed Hall in Brazzaville, Congo on Monday.
Congo won the silver medal which is the best in their volleyball history at the continental or international level. Egypt gained the bronze medal after they overcame Rwanda 3-2 (25-27, 26-24, 24-26, 25-17, 15-13) in the third place match.
CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani accompanied by Congo Minister of Sports Leon Alfred Opimbat honoured the top 3 teams with the medals with the Control Committee of the competition.
Algeria celebrate
Men’s competition
Final: Algeria v Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-20,25-22, 27-25)
Algeria took on Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-20,25-22, 27-25) in the final of the competition lasting 80 minutes. The Algerian team controlled the match through the pressure they made by the service throughout the match . Centre Amine Oumessad led the Algerian scorers with 14 points as Franck Ndotomat led the losers with 12 points.
Algeria used the tactical and spike service to disturb Congo reception and they went to 1-0 win through the spikes of Ould Charchali and the quick attacks through Oumessad from position 3. Congo fought back in the second set and had early lead 8-6 through the strong attacker Abrahis Nkouka and Exauce Ibuini. Algeria started to use the floating service and came back gradually till they won the second set 25-22.
The Algerian team maintained the pressure in the third set while Congo tried to save the match, but it was again the super blocking by the Algerians to gain the gold medal.
Egypt beat Rwanda 3-2 (25-27, 26-24, 24-26, 25-17, 15-13) in the bronze medal match after a great performance from both teams for 126 minutes. Rwanda led twice 1-0 and 2-1 before Egypt came back with some substitutes to win the fourth set and the hard fought tiebreaker.
Egypt won the bronze medal, while Rwanda finished fourth. Rwanda’s Patrick Kavalo led the match scorers with 22 points, while Islam Elsayed led the winner’s scorers with 17 points.
Angola Men and Nigeria Women’s Beach volleyball teams claimed the gold medals at the Beach Volleyball competition of 2015 All Africa Games held at Kintele Stadium in Brazzaville, Congo on Sunday.
Angola Men’s team pulled off a tough victory over neighbours Mozambique 2-0 (21-18, 21-18) in the final match to capture the gold medal after a great fought.
Men medallists during the national anthem
Nigeria Women’s team had to play a long tiebreaker to beat the favourites South Africa 2-1 (11-21, 21-13, 15-13) to claim their first gold medal in a senior championship.
South Africa men’s made the medal podium fully coming from zone 6 after they overcame Rwanda in the bronze medal match 2-0 (21-13, 21-15).
Rwanda made the podium in women’s competition after they won the bronze medal following their 2-0 (21-17, 21-16) victory over Kenya.
Men and women winners on the podium together with officials
Men’s Final ranking
1. Angola
2. Mozambique
3. South Africa
4. Rwanda
5. Tunisia
6. Sierra Leone
7. Ghana
8. Burundi
Women’s Final ranking
1. Nigeria
2. South Africa
3. Rwanda
4. Kenya
5. Mozambique
6. Algeria
7. Guinea
8. Congo Brazzaville
Nigeria’s Women Beach Volleyball team during National anthem
Nigeria’s men team have joined their female counterparts in booking a place in the finals of table tennis event of the ongoing 11th African Games holding in Congo Brazzaville.
To secure their place in the final, the Nigerian Men’s Table Tennis team walloped Ghana 3-0 and they are expected to face the winner between Egypt and Congo Brazzaville in the final on Sunday September 13.
An excited Nigeria’s Seun Ajetunmobi said: “I have been feeling good since the commencement of the tournament although we are yet to play any tough match. We really prepared very well for this competition and we hope that we can crown it up with victory against any team in the final. We are aware that the final will be tough and we are battle ready for it. I believe Nigeria will surprise everybody in this competition.”
Nigeria female team were in fine form against home team, Congo Brazzaville after a convincing 3-0 semifinal win in table tennis event of the ongoing African Games in Brazzaville.
The venue of the encounter went into total silence after the final match as the Nigerian ladies jubillate over the hard-earned victory.
Olufunke Oshonaike, Edem Offiong and Cecilia Otu-Akpan were the heroes of the day as they played their hearts out in the encounter which witnessed a lot of intimidation from the home fans with their Chinese imports bowing to the Nigerian.
However, Oshonaike began the rout with an emphatic 3-1 win over Chinese-born Yuheng Li while Edem Offiong was merciless against ageing Han Xing with another 3-1.
The 3-0 bashing was rounded by Edem and Otu-Akpan in doubles but it was not without much efforts from the Nigerians.
Nigerian Women Stuns Home Team, Congo Brazzaville To Hit Final
Even when the match was at 2-2 in the doubles, the Nigerian ladies played with a lot of confidence and this paid off for them with a 3-2 win to give Nigeria 3-0 victory. The win qualified Nigeria for final against their arch-rival, Egypt.
Earlier, Egypt had overcome Algeria easily with a 3-0 bashing.
The finals of the men and women team events hold on Sunday September 13.
Congo Brazzaville surprised 8 time African champions Egypt with a thrilling five set victory 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13) in a Marathon of 130 minutes to lead Pool A of Men’s All Africa games at Henry Elende Hall in Brazzaville, Congo on Friday.
Both teams already qualified to the semifinal early on Wednesday, But the stunning victory gave Congo the top of the Pool with a winning streak of 4-0 and left Egypt as runner up with 3-1 at the end of Pool matches.
Mozambique cruised past Botswana 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23) in their last pool matches, as the winners achieve their single first round victory to improve their record to 1-3 to finish fourth ahead of Botswana who ended their campaign at the fifth position. Nigeria who finished their matches on Wednesday concluded at the third position with 2-2.
Mozambique celebrating their victory
Men’s competition
Mozambique v Botswana 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23)
Mozambique fought bravely to overcome Botswana 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-23) in 80 minutes of exciting action. With the win Mozambique improved to 1-3 with 3 points, while Botswana dropped to 0-4.
Mozambique used well their attacking strength where Aldevino Nguvo was the match scorer with 14 points. Kabo Moetse led Botswana with 12 points.
Egypt attacking against Congo
Congo Brazzaville v Egypt 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13)
Congo Brazzaville played amazing game to overpower giants Egypt 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13) in Pool A. Congo finished Pool A matches at the top with 4-0 and 11 points, while Egypt dropped to 3-1 with 10 points.
Congo’s blockers played their best to stop the Egyptian and had 10/9 advantage in stuff blocks. The efficient outside hitter Frank Ndolomat led his team scorers with 17 point. Egypt’s opposite spiker Reda Heikal led Egypt and match scorers with 25 points.
Women’s Volleyball Competition: 2015 All Africa Games- Women Day 9
Brazzaville, Congo, September 10, 2015- Egypt overwhelmed Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-16) in the final pool A matches at Women’s All Africa Games at Henry Elende Hall in Brazzaville, Congo on Friday.
The winner continued unbeaten at the end of the preliminary round with 5-0 record to lead the pool followed by Seychelles 4-1 as both teams confirmed semifinal berth. Botswana hammered Ghana 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-14) to finish third of the pool. Senegal overcame Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14) to finish fourth.
Nigeria celebrating
Egypt v Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-16)
Egypt downed Seychelles 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-16) in Pool A Champions decider lasting 65 minutes. Egypt finished their pool matches with a win- loss ratio of 5-0 with 15 points to lead the pool leaving Seychelles in the second position with 11 points from 4-1 to finish second. Both teams already secured semifinal tickets early on Wednesday.
Aya El Shami led the Egyptian scorers with 14 points followed by middle blocker Aya Khaled 10 points. Seychelles big gun Marielle Bonne led Seychelles with 13 points.
Botswana v Ghana 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-14)
Botswana overwhelm Ghana 3-0 (25-22, 27-25, 25-14) in 75 minutes in Pool A match. Botswana finished their pool matches with 3-2 record and 8 points to finish 3rd of the Pool, while Ghana dropped to 1-4 to finish 4th.
Efficient outside hitter Tracy Chaba led Botswana with 17 points, while Mary Addai led Ghana with 10 points.
Congo attacking
Senegal v Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14)
Senegal overpowered Congo Brazzaville 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14) in 61 minutes in Pool A. Senegal finished their pool matches with 2-3 record and 8 points in the fourth position, while Congo Brazzaville finished with 0-5 record at the bottom of the pool.
Sow Binetou led the Senegalese scorers with 11 points followed by Sokhna Gueye 9. Olive Bikindou led Congo scorers with 12 points.
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