The final return leg of the Orange Confederation Cup 2015 between Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia) and Orlando Pirates (South Africa) will take place on Sunday, 29 November 2015 at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse at 15H00 local time (14H00 GMT).
The initial kick-off was 19H30 local time on the same day.
This decision is upon a request by Etoile du Sahel submitted to the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) on Wednesday, 25 November 2015, in response to recent events in Tunisia, which has compelled authorities to declare a nationwide curfew.
The decision by CAF was taken in consultation with the Fédération Tunisienne de Football and the Tunisian Ministry of Interior.
Meanwhile, officials designated for the match remain unchanged.
Egypt giants Ahly added one more title under their name after they won they won the 2015 Men’s African Club Championship following the 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-18, 25-19) victory over Esperance of Tunisia t the Olympic Hall in Sousse, Tunisia on Monday.
Ahly won their 11th title after 1980, 1983, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2011 to strengthen their record ahead of the nearest team Sfax of Tunisia with 6 crowns.
After 2010 and 2011, Ahly booked their third World Championship ticket in the next edition in Brazil October 27 to November 1.
Organizers Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia) claimed the bronze medal after they downed Somoha (Egypt) 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-21)
Final Ahly (Egypt) v Esperance (Tunisia) 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-18, 25-19)
Silver medallists, Esperance
Ahly’s opposite Ahmed Kotb who was eventually selected the competition MVP led his team to top Esperance (Tunisia) 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-18, 25-19) in a thrilling encounter lasting 101 minutes, The team’s opposite scored impressive 26 points that played a great role in the victory. Hechem Kaabi was his team best scorer with 11 points.
Ahly started the match using the middle blockers for quick attacks from position 3 specially Abdel Halim Fahim, the competition tallest player and Ahmed El Sheikh to disturb the Tunisian blockers who fell into ,many mistakes. After Ahly won the first set, Esperance rebounded back in the second set with some substitutions to win the set narrowly 26-24 after frequent mistakes in Ahly’s backline defence.
Ahly came back aggressively with Kotb’s spikes from position 2 and 4 beside the participation of Mohamed Ketat to win two successive sets in the way for 3 sets victory.
Bronze medal match
ESS (Tunisia) v Somoha (Egypt) 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-21)
Bronze Medallists, Etoile Sportive du Sahel
Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia) beat Somoha (Egypt) in the bronze medal match 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-21). Etoile won the bronze medal, while Somoha in their first appearance in the competition ended their campaign at the fourth position. The Tunisian team led the match all through and didn’t allow Somoha to come back specially in the second set when they palyed their best in the match.
5th and 6th places:
Zamalek (Egypt) v Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-14)
CAVB President and CC president with the referees
Zamalek of Egypt beat Ittihad Tangier Morocco 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-14) for the 5 and 6 places. The five time African champions finished in the fifth position which is the least in their career.
7th and 8th places
Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) v Setif (Algeria) 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-19)
Ittihad Tangier of Morocco showed their best performance to win Setif of Algeria 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-19) in 7 and 8 places. Tangier becomes the best Moroccan team’s finish in the last 15 years.
9th and 10th places
FAR (Morocco) v Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya) 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-19)
FAR of Morocco beat Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya) 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-19) in the 9 -10 places match that showed a great performance from the Moroccan team.
11th and 12th places
Swehli (Libya) v Prisons (Kenya) 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-21, 15-7
Swehli of Libya beat Prisons Kenya 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 16-25, 25-21, 15-7) in the 11 and 12 positions. After the great opening from the Kenyan team, Swehli came back in the second set and had to come back in the tiebreak with all their skills to win the match.
13th and 14th places
GSU (Kenya) v Espoir (Congo RD) 3-1 (25-22, 26-24, 21-25, 25-22)
GSU (Kenya) beat Espoir (Congo RD) 3-1 (25-22, 26-24, 21-25, 25-22) in 13 and 14 positions after a great match from both sides.
MVP Ahmed Kotb
15th and 16th places
Autoridade (Mozambique) v AS Douanes (Burkina Faso) 3-0 (25-10, 25-22, 25-18)
Autoridade Mozambique beat As Douanes Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-10, 25-22, 25-18) in the 15 and 16 positions in a great match for the winners.
FAP beat APR of Rwanda 3-1 (25-17, 19-25, 25-23, 25-21) in the 17 and 18 positions to finish at their least position in their history.
19th and 20th places
KAVC (Uganda) v Support United (Zimbabwe) 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-14)
KAVC Uganda beat Support United Zimbabwe 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-14) in 19 and 20 positions. The Ugandan team played their best in the competition.
21st and 22nd places
Alnahada (SUD) v Nemostars (UGA) Nemostars withdraw
23rd and 24th places
Atletico Clube (CPV) v (HMD) Daim Hamad (SUD) Atletico withdraw
The Tournament’s best players
Individual Awards
· Best Spiker: Lailson Costa (Somoha)
· Best Blocker: Marten Costa (Zamalek)
· Best Server: Hossam Youssef (Ahly Egypy)
· Best Setter: Mahdi Ben Cheikh (Esperance)
· Best Receiver: Chokri Jouini (Esperance)
· Best Libero: Anouer Touargi (Etoile Sportive du Sahel)
· MVP: Ahmed Kotb (Ahly Egypt)
Defending champions Esperance of Tunisia and record holders Ahly of Egypt set to repeat 2014 African club championship final when they meet on Monday seeking the 34th edition crown at the Olympic Hall in Sousse, Tunisia.
Esperance took over their rivals Etoile Sportive du Sahel 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-17) in a semifinal attended by 1500 spectators who were highly excited, mostly supporting their home team Etoile.
Ahly cruised past their compatriot Somoha 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-17) in a match dominated by the winners throughout its action.
Esperance beat Ahly 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-14) for their fourth title last year, as Ahly seek to revenge for their 11th title, while Esperance dream their 5th crown.
Two Tunisian and two Egyptian clubs confirmed their semifinal tickets at the 2015 Men’s African Club championship following the quarterfinal matches held at Olympic and Masaken Halls on Friday.
The final match will start at 17:00 and will be preceded by the bronze medal match between Etoile and Somoha at 14:30. .
The competition acts also as a qualifier for the 2015 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Brazil next October.
Semifinal 1-4
Esperance (TUN) v Etoile du Sahel (TUN) 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-17)
Ahly (Egypt) v Somoha (Egypt) 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-17)
Ten times Champions Ahly celebrate win against Zamalek
Esperance came from a set behind to win three successive sets in their way to surprise rivals Etoile du Sahel 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-17) in the semifinal of the competition. Etoile had early dominance through their opposite Marouen Garci and outside hitter Hamza Nagga to win the first set. Esperance rebounded aggressively to win three successive set after the high performance of their blockers. Etoile again tried to return back in the fourth set but their reception was unstable to lose the match 3-1.
Ahly of Egypt played their best to beat their compatriots Somoha 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-17). The winners used the quick attacks through their centers Abdel Halim and Ketat to have early dominance in the first set. Somoha tried to come back in the second set with combinations led by the setter Khalid Elfayoumi using the Brazilian opposite Leison Costa, but Ahly succeeded with win the crucial points in their way to win the most difficult set before Ahly were more motivated to continue to straight sets win.
Play off 5-8
Zamalek (Egypt) v Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 27-25)
Borj Bouaririj (Algeria) v setif ALG 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 26-24)
The VIP tribune,
Zamalek of Egypt beat Ittihad Tangier of Morocco 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 27-25) in Play off 5-8 positions. Although Zamalek players played without a great passion after missing the final 4, they could cntrol the match through their efficient defence and reception.
Borj Bouaririj of Algeria downed their rivals setif in all Algerian face off 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 26-24) completly dominated by the winners.
Play off 9-12
Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya) v Swehli 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-23)
FAR (Morocco) v Prisons (Kenya) 3-1 (25-16, 30-28, 23-25, 25-17)
Hamza nagga spiking against an Esperance double block
Ahly Beni Ghazi Libya beat Rivals Swehli 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-23) in play off 9-12. Ahly took the matter seriously from the start of the game but Swehli came back late in the third set without actual seriousness.
FAR of Morocco struggled to win against Prisons of Kenya 3-1 (25-16, 30-28, 23-25, 25-17) after a great show specially in the fourth set.
GSU (Kenya) v Autoridade (Mozambique) 3-1 (22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-17)
Espoir of Congo RD overwhelm Douanes of Burkina Faso 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 25-11) in 13 to 16 place play off.
GSU Kenya overcame the sluggish start to beat Autoridade Mozambique 3-1 (22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-17) after big resistance from Auroridade.
Play off 17 to 20
FAP (Cameroon) v KAVC (Uganda) 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 26-24)
APR (Rwanda) v Support United (Zimbabwe) 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-22)
Referees of the Esperance vs Etoile match
FAP of Cameroon claimed a 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 26-24) victory over KAVC Uganda in Play off 17 to 20 positions. The Cameroonian team was more experienced to finish the job as early as possible.
APR of Rwanda hammered Support United Zimbabwe 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-22) with increasing concentration in the attacks and defence.
Play off 21-24
Nemostars (Uganda) v Daim Hamad (Sudan) 3-2 (25-27, 20-27, 25-13, 25-17, 15-5)
Atletico Clube (Cape Verde) v Alnahada (Sudan) Atletico withdraw
Nemostars of Uganda grabbed a difficult win over Daim Hamad of Sudan 3-2 (25-27, 20-27, 25-13, 25-17, 15-5) in play off 21-24 positions in 2 dramatic hours, while Atletico withdraw in their match against Al Nahada of Sudan due to urgent departure.
Final Schedule on Monday March 16
Etoile supporters
Finals 17- 24 Positions
85—23-24 —(ATL) Atletico Clube (CPV) x (HMD) Daim Hamad (SUD) ——-Atletico withdraw
86—21-22 —(NAH) Alnahada (SUD x (NEM) Nemostars (UGA)———Nemostars withdraw
87—19-20 –9:00—(SUZ) Support Unit (ZIM) x (KAVC) Kampala (UGA)———-Douek
88—17-18 –11:00—(APR) Armée Pat (RWA) x (FAP) F Armées Police (CMR)—Douek
89—15-16 –!3:00—(ATM) Autoridade (MOZ) x (ASD) AS Douanes (BUR)——–Douek
90—13-14 –9:00—-(GSU) G Service Unit (KEN) x (ESP) Club Espoir (COD)——-Masaken
91—11-12 –11:00—(SWE) Swehly Sport (LBA) x (PRI) Prisons (KEN)———–Masaken
Esperance of Tunisia and Setif of Algeria completed the quarterfinal line up at 2015 Men’s African Club championship at the end of the group stage following day 5 matches held at Olympic and Masaken Halls on Thursday.
Esperance and setif joined Hosts Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia), Egyptian giants Ahly, Zamalek and new comer Somoha, Algeria’s Borj Bouaririj and Morocco’s Ittihad Tangier who earlier confirmed their quarterfinal tickets earlier on Wednesday.
The last day of the preliminary round showed a surprising victory for Algeria’s Bourg Bouaririj over 10 time champions Ahly of Egypt 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23)
Tunisia’s Etoile Sportive du Sahel, stayed as the only team to win all their matches without dropping a set so far.
Etoile Du Sahel Pool led Pool A ranking with a win- loss ratio of 5-0 and will be joined by Morocco’s Ittihad Tangier (4-1) to the quarterfinal.
In Pool B Zamalek led with 5-0 followed by Esperance (TUN) 4-1 and joined the top 4, while in Pool C Bourj Bouaririj led with 5-0 followed by Ahly Egypt 4-1. Somoha surprised other teams with 5 consecutive victories in their first appearance at the finals followed by Setif 4-1.
The third and fourth ranked teams will play for the 9 to 16 positions, while the fifth and sixth will battle it out for the 17 to 24 standings.
The competition acts also as a qualifier for the 2015 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Brazil next October.
Ittihad Tangier of Morocco celebrate the third victory over Autoridade of Mozambique
Pool A
Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia) v Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-20)
Athletics (Cape Verde) v Daim Hamad (Sudan) 3-1 (25-23, 11-25, 25-20, 25-14)
Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia) beat Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-20) to finish pool A matches in the first position with a win- loss ratio of 5-0 followed by the Moroccan team 4-1. The experienced opposite Maruoan Garci played he essential role in the victory and scored 14 points as the match scorer.
Autoridade of Mozambique beat Douanes of Burkina 3-1 (25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 25-23) in 92 minutes. After the winners went to 2-0, Douanes came back late to win the third set before Mozambique’s team came back to win the crucial 4th set. Autoridade finished third of the pool with 3-2, while Burkina team dropped to 2-3.
Athletics (Cape Verde) defeated Daim Hamad (Sudan) 3-1 (25-23, 11-25, 25-20, 25-14) in 85 minutes. Outside hitter Miguel Alves played a great role in the victory with his 22 points scored throughout the match. With the victor Atletico finished fifth with 1-4, leaving the Sudanese team at the bottom of the table with 0-5.
Swehli (Libya) v Alnahda (Sudan) 3-0 (25-10, 25-16, 25-23)
Esperance of Tunisia v FAR of Morocco 3-1 (31-29, 25-13, 27-29, 28-26)
Zamalek of Egypt led pool B at men African Club champs after a 3-1 (2-1 (21-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-18) over FAP of Cameroon. As usual opposite Reda Heikal was his team scorer with 14 points. Zamalek led the pool with 5-0 leaving FAP on the fifth with 1-4.
Swehli (LIB) overpowered Alnahda (Sudan) 3-0 (25-10, 25-16, 25-23) in a fight for 9 to 16 position spot to finish 4th with 2-3 leaving The Sudanese team at 0-5.
Esperance of Tunisia crashed FAR of Morocco 3-1 (31-29, 25-13, 27-29, 28-26) in a thrilling encounter fighting for the pool’s second ticket to the quarterfinal. Esperance qualified as second of the pool with 4-1 while FAR finished fourth with 3-2.
Bourj’s Kerboua serving
Pool C
Bourj Bouaririj (Algeria) v Ahly (EGY) 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23)
APR (Rwanda) v Espoir (Congo RD) 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-16)
GSU (Kenya) v Nemostar (Uganda) 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-23)
Bourj Bouaririj (Algeria) hammered Ahly (EGY) 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23) in the pool leader decider. Ahly coach played with the substitutes to allow the dominance of the Algerian team who finished first of Pool C with 5-0, while Ahly came second with 4-1.
APR (Rwanda) overwhelmed Espoir (Congo RD) 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-16) in a match lasting 65 minutes. APR finished 5th with 2-3 as the Espoir came 4th with also 2-3 win loss ratio.
GSU (Kenya) finished the first round in their utmost performance as they cruised past Nemostar (Uganda) 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-23). The Kenyan team came third and Nemostars came 6th.
Somoha (Egypt) v KAVC (Uganda) 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-21)
Prisons (Kenya) v Support (Zimbabwe) 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-21)
Somoha set 5th win against KAVC (Uganda) 3-0 (25-11, 25-21, 25-21) in Pool D to qualify to the quarterfinal in their first appearance at the continental level as top of the pool, while KAVC came 5th with 1-4.
Setif ALG hammered Ahly Beni Ghazi of Libya 3-1 (25-18, 25-17, 18-25, 25-21) to qualify to the quarterfinal as second of the pool.
Prisons (Kenya) beat Support (Zimbabwe) 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-21) in the third place of the pool decider to finish third with 10 points.
KAVC
Quarterfinal Schedule on Friday March 13
Quarter final 1-8 Positions
(ESS) Etoile Du Sahel (TUN)1st A x 2nd D(SET) Etoile Setif (ALG)
(SMO) Smouha (EGY) 1st D x 2nd A(IRT) Ittihad Riadi (MAR)
(ZAM) Zamalek (EGY) 1st B x 2nd C(AHE) Ahly Club (EGY)
(BOR) NRBB Arreridj (ALG) 1st C x 2nd B EST) Espérance (TUN)
Quarter final 9-16 Positions
(ATM) Autoridade (MOZ) 3rd A x 4th D(AHB) Ahly Benghazi (LBA)
(PRI) Prisons (KEN) 3rd D x 4th A(ASD) AS Douanes (BUR)
(FAR) Forces Armées R. (MAR) 3rd B x 4th C(ESP) Club Espoir (COD)
(GSU) G Service Unit (KEN) 3rd C x 4th B(SWE) Swehly Sport (LBA)
Quarter final 17-24 Positions
(ATL) Atletico Clube (CPV) 5th A x 6th D(SUZ) Support Unit (ZIM)
(KAVC) Kampala (UGA)5th D x 6th A(HMD) Daim Hamad (SUD)
(FAP) F Armées Police (CMR)5th B x 6th C(NEM) Nemostars (UGA)
(APR) Armée Pat (RWA) 5th C x 6th B(NAH) Alnahada (SUD)
Six clubs booked their qualification tickets for the quarterfinal of the 2015 Men’s African Club championship after the competition day 4 held at Olympic and Masaken Halls on Wednesday. Hosts Etoile Sporive du Sahel (Tunisia), Egyptian giants Ahly, Zamalek and new comer Somoha with Algeria’s Borj Bouaririj and Morocco’s Ittihad Tangier confirmed their top eight positions one day before the end of the preliminary round leaving the last two spots for day 5 on Thursday.
The six qualified teams were all keeping their victory rhythm making the full win- loss ratio of 4-0, but among them only Etoile Sporive du Sahel, Ahly of Egypt and Tangier kept the record of not dropping a set till now.
Pool A ranking was settled with Etoile Du Sahel and Ittihad Tangier confirming quarterfinal tickets, Douanes (Burkina Faso) and Autoridade (Mozambique) playing for the 9 to 16 positions, Atletico (Cape Verde) and Daim Hamad playing for 17-24 standings.
In Pool B Zamalek confirmed their quarters ticket, while Esperance of Tunisia and FAR of Morocco fight for the second ticket, while all the other teams fight for the other positions.
Pool C featured two qualifiers for the top 8 Ahly Egypt and Bourj Bouaririj of Algeria. Espoir confirmed 9 to 16 brackets, while the other three teams wait for their final standings.
In Pool D Somoha (Egypt) qualified in their first ever participation leaving Setif (Algeria) and Prisons (Kenya) will be fighting for the second slot. Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya) confirmed 9-16 play off leaving KAVC (Uganda) and Support United of Zimbabwe for the 17 to 24 standings.
The competition acts also as a qualifier for the 2015 FIVB Men’s World Championship in Brazil next October.
FAR, Morocco
Pool A
Etoile Sportive du Sahel (TUN) v Douanes (Burkina Faso) 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-9)
Auroridade (Mozambique) V Daim Hamad (Suden) 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13)
Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) v Atletico (Cape Verde) 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-14)
Etoile Sportive du Sahel (TUN) overpowered Douanes of Burkina Faso 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-9) to clinch a quarterfinal ticket. Etoile improved their wi- loss ratio to 4-0 leaving Douanes at 2-2. Etoile used the experience of their stars Ahmed Kadhi (12 points) and Marouan Garci (14 Points) to penetrate their opponent defence to win the match easily.
Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) took over Atletico (Cape Verde) 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-14) in a match lasting 65 minutes. The winners dominated the net action due to the superior performance of their star Ismail Ouchadi who scored 12 points for his team. The Moroccan team improved to 4-0 to qualify for the quarters leaving Atletico for the last positions with 0-4.
Auroridade (Mozambique) needed 105 minutes to overwhelm Daim Hamad (Sudan) 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13) in a highly competitive match. Sudan’s attacker Suliman Kodi impressed the attendances with his superior performance as they came back from 2-1 to 2-2 and scored 31 points making the competition’s best scoring performance in one match so far. Auroridade’s Fernand Muvunga was a key factor of the victory as he was his team’s best scorer with 25 points followed by Miguel Carrier 20. Autoridade improved to 2-2, while Daim Hamad dropped to 0-4.
Swehli
Pool B
FAR (Morocco v FAP (Cameroon) 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22)
Esperance (Tunisia) v Swehly (Libya) 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-20)
Zamalek v Alnahda of Sudan 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-6)
Zamalek overcame Alnahda of Sudan 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-6) in one side game lasting 62 points to confirm the top position of the pool and qualify for the quarterfinal. It was nothing than full dominance for the 5 time African champions. The Egyptian team improved to 4-0 and Nahada dropped to 0-4.
FAR of Morocco topped FAP of Cameroon 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 25-22) in a thrilling encounter lasting 110 minutes. The Moroccan team became 3-1, while FAP dropped to 1-3.
Esperance of Tunisia stunned Swehly of Libya 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-20) to improve to 3-1 and need to win their last match in the group stage against Morocco’s FAR to confirm their qualification, Swehli became 1-3.
Nemostars blocking
Pool C
Espoir (Congo RD) v GSU (Kenya) 3-0 (25-21, 27-25, 25-17)
Ahly (Egypt) v APR Rwanda 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-19)
Bourj Bouaririj (Algeria) v Nemostars (Uganda) 3-1 (25-13, 23-25, 25-14, 25-12)
Ahly Egypt beat APR Rwanda 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-19) in 56 minutes to confirm the finals spot, beside keeping their straight sets victory rhythm. APR dropped to 1-3 and wait for their last position in the pool during the last day when they meet Espoir.
Bourj Bouaririj (Algeria) defeated Nemostars (Uganda) 3-1 (25-13, 23-25, 25-14, 25-12) to confirm the second pool ticket in the quarters. The Algerians reached 4-0, as the Ugandans dropped to 0-4.
Espoir of Congo RD surprised GSU Kenya to achieve a ground breaking victory 3-0 (25-21, 27-25, 25-17) in a crucial Pool C match that featured a great performance form the Congolese team. They improved to 2-2 while GSU stayed at 1-3.
Ahmed Kotb of Ahly
Pool D
KAVC (Uganda) v Support United (Zimbabwe) 3-2 (25-22, 15-25, 25/27, 25-22, 15-7)
Prisons (Kenya) v Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya) 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 26-24)
Somoha (EGY) v Setif Algeria 3-1 (27-25, 16-25, 25-23, 25-19)
Somoha (EGY) cruised past Setif of Algeria 3-1 (27-25, 16-25, 25-23, 25-19) in a pool leader decider lasting 101 minutes. The match of the day showed highly exciting fighting for each point till the Egyptian team won using their strong service and efficient blocks. Somoha improved to 4-0, while Setif became 3-1 and had to wait till the last day to confirm their top 8 positions when they meet Ahly Beni Ghazi.
Prisons of Kenya defeated Ahly Beni Ghazi of Libya 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 26-24) in a match reaching its optimum thrills in the third set when the Libyan team fought aggressively before Prisons came back to overcome the 5 point deficit and catch the straight sets victory. Prisons became 2-2 and still had hopes of the finals ticket while Ahly Beni Ghazi will play for the 9 to 16 of the standings.
KAVC (Uganda) defeated Support United (Zimbabwe) 3-2 (25-22, 15-25, 25/27, 25-22, 15-7) in Pool D at Men’s African Club Champs
Support Unit
Day 5 schedule on March 12
A 09:00 (ASD) AS Douanes (BUR) x (ATM) Autoridade (MOZ)
D 10:00 (AHB) Ahly Benghazi (LBA) x (SET) Etoile Sportive Setif (ALG)
B 11:00 (NAH) Alnahada (SUD) x (SWE) Swehly Sport (LBA)
D 12:00 (SMO) Smouha (EGY) x (KAV) Kampala Amateur (UGA)
C 13:00 (APR) Armée Patriotique (RWA)x (ESP) Volley Club Espoir (COD)
C 14:00 (BOR) NRBB Arreridj (ALG) x (AHE) AHLY CLUB (EGY)
A 15:00 (HMD) Daim Hamad (SUD) x (ATL) Atletico Clube (CPV)
B 16:00 (EST) Espérance Sportive (TUN)x (FAR) Forces Armées R. (MAR)
C 17:00 (GSU) General Service Unit (KEN)x (NEM) Nemo Stars (UGA)
A 18:00 (IRT) Ittihad Riadi (MAR) x (ESS) Etoile Sportive Sahel (TUN)
D 19:00 (SUZ) Support Unit (ZIM) x (PRI) Prisons (KEN)
B 20:00 (FAP) Forces Armées Police (CMR)x (ZAM) Zamalek (EGY)
Sousse, Tunisia, March 9 2014- Egypt giants Ahly, Organizers Etoile Sportive du Sahel and new comers Ittihad Tangier continued their winning rhythm without dropping a set after the 2015 men’s African Club championship day held at Olympic and Masaken Halls on Monday.
Ahly added new straight sets win over less experienced Espoir of Congo RD 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-21), in Pool C, while as Etoile du Sahel ESS hammered Atletico (Cape Verde) 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-16) om Pool A.
The new comers Tangier Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) flew past Autoridade (Mozambique) 3-0 (27-25, 25-11, 25-12) also in Pool A.
Beside the 3 teams Zamalek and Somoha (Egypt), Setif and Bourj Bouaririj (Algeria) continued also their victories towards win- loss ratio of 3-0.
Tuesday will be a rest day and then Twelve matches will be played on Wednesday on competition Day 4 which may confirm more than 50 % of quarterfinal vacancies.
Pool A
ESS of Tunisia spiking against Atletico of Cape Verde
ESS (Tunisia) v Atletico (Cape Verde) 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-16)
Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) v Autoridade (Mozambique) 3-0 (27-25, 25-11, 25-12)
Douanes (Burkina Faso) v Daim Hamad (Sudan) 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-18)
ESS (Tunisia) set the competition’s third victory in a row over Atletico of Cape Verde 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-16) to advance more towards a quarterfinal ticket in Pool A. The winners coach Harry Brokking used his entire list during th 54 minutes match and thus no one of the team exceeded 7 points scored. Atletico survived in the third set and started to use their attacks as they stayed near throughout the set till ESS settled the situation 25-16 to win the match. The organizers improved their win- loss ratio to 3-0, while Atletico dropped to 0-3.
Ittihad Tangier of Morocco celebrate the third victory over Autoridade of Mozambique
Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) overcame the sluggish start to crash Autoridade (Mozambique) 3-0 (27-25, 25-11, 25-12) in Pool A. The emerging team from Mozambique reached two set points in the first set before the Moroccan team extracted all the power to win the set narrowly 27-25. With this victory Tangier kept the clean sheet with 3-0, while Autoridade dropped to 1-2.
Douanes of Burkina Faso fought bravely to beat Daim Hamad of Sudan 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-18) towards their second victory and stayed in competition for a quarterfinal ticket as they improved to 2-1, while the Sudanese team dropped to 0-3.
Pool B
Zamalek (EGY) v Swehli (Libya) 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 26-24)
Esperance (Tunisia) v FAP (Cameroon) 3-1 (25-19, 25-14, 30-32, 25-16)
FAR (Morocco) v Alnahda (Sudan) 3-1 (25-18, 25-16, 23-25, 25-23
Zamalek double block
Esperance of Tunisia continued their recovery from the opening defeat to stun FAP of Cameroon 3-1 (25-19, 25-14, 30-32, 25-16) in one of the day’s best show. After the defending champions were going to a straight sets victory, FAP showed their best to win the third set Marathon 32-30. Esperance again took it aggressively to win the 4th set and the match 3-1. They improved to 2-1, while FAP became 1-2.
Heavy Favourites Zamalek (EGY) won the crucial points of each set to overpower Swehli of Libya 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 26-24) in 71 minutes. The match went to the most exciting part at the end of the third set when the Libyans reached the set point before Zamalek won narrowly 26-24. Argentina’s middle blocker of Zamalek Martin Costa played a great role with his blocking aided by the emerging opposite Reda Heikal who was the match scorer with 17 points. Zamalek continued their clean sheet with 3-0, while Swehli dropped to 1-2.
FAR of Morocco defeated Alnahda of Sudan 3-1 (25-18, 25-16, 23-25, 25-23) in a fluctuating performance from both teams. After FAR claimed the first and second sets, Alnahda played their best in the competition till now and succeeded to win the third set and were able to win the 4th and extend the match to tiebreak when the Moroccan team overcame the critical situation to win the set and the match 3-1. after the win, FAR improved to 2-1, while Alnahda dropped to 0-3.
Pool C
Nemostar (UGA) spiking against Ahly
Bourj Bouaririj (Algeria) v GSU Kenya 3-2 (31-33, 21-25, 25-21, 25-11, 15-1)
Ahly (Egypt) v Espoir (CONGO RD) 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-21)
APR (Rwanda) v Nemostars (Uganda) 3-2 (25-19, 25-12, 11-25, 24-26, 15-12)
Bourj Bouaririj of Algeria rebounded back from2 sets behind to pull off a 3-2 win over GSU Kenya 3-2 (31-33, 21-25, 25-21, 25-11, 15-1) in a grueling tiebreaker lasting 112 minutes. The Algerian Veteran opposite Mahdi Hachemi played a great role specially in the fourth set and the tiebreak and scored vital 19 points. From the Kenyan side Cornelius Kiplagat and Musumba Oundo were equally the match scorers with 21 points. Bourj team improved their record to 3-0, while GSU dropped to 1-2.
Ahly of Egypt overwhelmed Espoir of CONGO RD 3-0 (25-13, 25-11, 25-21) in a match played aggressively by the losers as they tried their best to stop the Egyptian taller players by the net. The Congolese team played their best in the third set when they improved their reception and blocking. Ahly led the pool with 3-0 record and stayed ahead without dropping a set while Espoir became 1-2. Opposite Ahmed kotb and middle blocker Abdel Halim were the key players of the victory.
APR (Rwanda) beat Nemostars (Uganda) 3-2 (25-19, 25-12, 11-25, 24-26, 15-12) in Pool C epic encounter lasting more than 2 hours. After APR went early to 2-0, the Ugandan team came back quickly to win 2 consecutive sets to become 2-2 before the Rwandan team arranged their blockers to win the tiebreak 15-12 to secure their first victory.
Pool D
Support Unit
Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya) v Support United (Zimbabwe) 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-16)
Somoha (EGY) v Prisons (Kenya) 3-1 (25-14, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21)
Setif (Algeria) v KAVC (Uganda) 3-0 (25-12, 25-20, 25-16)
Setif of Algeria defeated KAVC of Uganda 3-0 (25-12, 25-20, 25-16) in pool D match that showed dominace for the Algerian team specially in the areas of blocking and attacks, Setif improved their win- loss ratio to 3-0 as KAVC dropped to 0-3.
Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya) continued the winning rhythm as they beat Support United (Zimbabwe) 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-16) after stable performance throughout the three sets. The Libyans improved to 2-1, while Support became 0-3.
Somoha of Egypt beat Prisons of Kenya 3-1 (25-14, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21) in the best of Pool D matches. The Egyptian team relied on their efficient Center block Mohamed Adel and the setter Khalid Elfayoumi to overcome Prisons attacks. Somoha is now 3-0 and Prisons became 1-2.
Swehli
Day 3 schedule on March 11
D 09:00 (KAV) Kampala Amateur (UGA) x (SUZ) Support Unit (ZIM)
A 10:00 (ATM) Autoridade (MOZ) x (HMD) Daim Hamad (SUD)
C 11:00 (ESP) Volley Club Espoir (COD) x (GSU) General Service Unit (KEN)
C 12:00 (AHE) Ahly Club (EGY) x (APR) Armée Patriotique (RWA)
A 13:00 (ATL) Atletico Clube (CPV) x (IRT) Ittihad Riadi (MAR)
C 14:00 (NEM) Nemo Stars (UGA) x (BOR) NRBB Arreridj (ALG)
B 15:00 (FAR) Forces Armées R. (MAR) x (FAP) Forces Armées Police (CMR)
D 16:00 (PRI) Prisons (KEN) x (AHB) Ahly Benghazi (LBA)
B 17:00 (SWE) Swehly Sport (LBA) x (EST) Espérance Sportive (TUN)
A 18:00 (ESS) Etoile Sportive Sahel (TUN)x (ASD) AS Douanes (BUR)
B 19:00 (ZAM) Zamalek (EGY) x (NAH) Alnahada (SUD)
A 20:00 (SET) Etoile Sportive Setif (ALG) x (SMO) Smouha (EGY)
African favourite clubs went all to their send win on Day 2 of the 2015 Men’s African Club Championship held at Olympic and Masaken Halls on Sunday as Egyptian giants Ahly, Zamalek, Somoha, organisers Etoile Sportive du Sahel (Tunisia), Setif, Borj Bouaririj (Algeria), Ittihad Tangier (Morocco) went all for a win- loss ratio of 2-0.
The day featured a thrilling tiebreaker as Algeria’s Setif overcame Prisons of Kenya 3-2 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 21-25, 15-4) in the day’s best show.
Twelve matches will be proceeding on Monday on competition Day 3 with Egypt’s Zamalek and Libya’s Swehli as main landmark of the day’s action .
Pool A
ESS(TUN) v Diam Hamad (SUD) 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-12)
Ittihad Tangier (MAR) v Douanes (BUR) 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-11)
Autoridade (MOZ) v Athletico (CPV) 3-1 (25-27, 25-16,25-19, 25-16)
Etoile Sportive du Sahel (TUN) overwhelmed Diam Hamad (SUD) 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-12) in Pool A encounter lasting 52 minutes. winners coach Harry Brokking used all his list s they continued their dominance throughout the match. Outside hitter Hamza Nagga led the match scorers with15 points. Etoile improved their win- loss ratio to 2-0 leaving Hamad 0-2.
Ittihad Tangier (MAR) beat Douanes (BUR) 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-11) towards their second win. The winners controlled the match through their spike service that disturbed the opponent reception to improve to 2-0, while Douanes dropped to 1-1. In the last of the pool matches Autoridade (Mozambique) beat Athletico (Cape Verde) 3-1 (25-27, 25-16,25-19, 25-16). This is the first win for Mozambique representatives to become 1-1, while Atletico dropped to 0-2.
Pool B
EST (TUN) v Alnahda (SUD) 3-0 (25-16, 25-13,25-18)
Swehli (LIB) v FAP (CMR) 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-20)
Zamalek (EGY) v FAR (MAR) 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20)
Zamalek of Egypt struggled for 107 minutes to beat FAR of Morocco 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20). After Zamalek was 2-0 ahead, Yannick Shesha led FAR to a new come back where he served and spiked from the front and backlines scoring 20 points that aided his team to win the third set before Zamalek stars used their experience to settle the game to their side in the fourth set. Zamalek improved to 2-0, while FAR dropped to 1-1.
Defending champions Esperance of Tunisia cruised past Alnahda of Sudan 3-0 (25-16, 25-13,25-18) to overcome the stress of losing their opening match against Zamalek. The promising star Elias Garfi was the key factor of the victory with his 20 points scored that put him as match scorer. Esperance improved to 1-1, while Nahda dropped to 0-2.
Swehli of Libya rebounded from the opening loss to beat Cameroon’s giants FAP 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-20) and improved to 1-1. FAP also dropped to 1-1.
Nemostar (UGA) spiking against Ahly
Pool C
GSU (KEN) v APR (RWA) 3-1 (25-18, 25-13, 21-25,25-22)
Ahly (EGY) v Nemo stars (UGA) 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-20)
Bourj Bouarirj (ALG) v Espoir (COD) 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-12)
GSU of Kenya stunned APR of Rwanda 3-1 (25-18, 25-13, 21-25,25-22) in pool C thriller towards their first win. The Kenyan team was going to a straight sets victory before they committed a lot of reception mistakes in the third set allowing the Rwandan team to enter the game and narrow the score to 2-1. They rebounded positively in the fourth set to win 3-1. Both teams became 1-1 in 2 matches.
Ahly (EGY) found it easy to penetrate Uganda’s Nemostars block to win 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-20) in Pool C. Ahly used all their list in the match and proved their consistency through the service. The Egyptain record holders improved to 2-0, while Nemostars became 0-2.
Bourj Bouarirj (ALG) beat Espoir (COD) 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-12) in another victory for the Algerians making them 2-0, while new comers Espoir dropped to 1-1.
Setif (ALG) fought for 2 hours to overcome Prisons (KEN) 3-2 (25-12, 25-15, 23-25, 21-25, 15-4) in the day’s only tiebreaker. After being 0-2 back, the Kenyan team rebounded aggressively to win two successive set using the unbelievable show of Ibrahim Odindo who scored 23 points making the competition best scoring performance. Setif improved to 2-0, while Prisons dropped to 1-1.
Somoha (EGY) made it 2 out of 2 as they win Support United (ZIM) 3-0 (25-21, 25-12, 25-7). The Zimbabwean surprised the attendance with a great show in the first set using their outstanding spikers, before the Egyptian team returned to the main line up to win in straight sets. Somoha became 2-0, while Support are now 0-2.
Ahly Beni Ghazi (Lib) overcame the opening defeat to beat Kampala (UGANDA) 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21) in a game full of action. Beni Ghazi became 1-1, while the Ugandans dropped to 0-2.
Zamalek timeout
Day 3 schedule
C 09:00 (APR) Armée Patriotique (RWA) x (NEM) Nemo Stars (UGA)
A 10:00 (IRT) Ittihad Riadi (MAR) x (ATM) Autoridade (MOZ)
D 11:00 (AHB) Ahly Benghazi (LBA) x (SUZ) Support Unit (ZIM)
C 12:00 (BOR) NRBB Arreridj (ALG) x (GSU) General Service Unit (KEN)
D 13:00 (SMO) Smouha (EGY) x (PRI) Prisons (KEN)
B 14:00 (ZAM) Zamalek (EGY) x (SWE) Swehly Sport (LBA)
A 15:00 (HMD) Daim Hamad (SUD) x (ASD) AS Douanes (BUR)
C 16:00 (AHE) Ahly Club (EGY) x (ESP) Volley Club Espoir (COD)
B 17:00 (NAH) Alnahada (SUD) x (FAR) Forces Armées R. (MAR)
A 18:00 (ATL) Atletico Clube (CPV) x (ESS) Etoile Sportive Sahel (TUN)
D 19:00 (SET) Etoile Sportive Setif (ALG) x (KAV) Kampala Amateur (UGA)
B 20:00 (FAP) Forces Armées Police (CMR) x (EST) Espérance Sportive (TUN)
African giants and 5 time champions Zamalek of Egypt started their 2015 Men’s African Club Championship campaign in their best performance as they beat the defending champions Esperance of Tunisia 3-1 (25-21, 15-21, 25-22, 25-20) in Pool B on opening day of the competition held at Olympic and Msaken Halls in Sousse, Tunisia on Saturday.
Beside Zamalek, most of the favourite teams started also victories specially the hosts Etoile Sportive du Sahel (TUN), record holders Ahly (EGY) FAP (CMR), Borj Bouaririj and Setif (both from ALG).
Among emerging teams are the 2 Moroccan representatives FAR and Tangier who set the first victory after the long absence for Morocco from this peak African event.
The competition opening day featured 12 matches in the 4 preliminary pools and will be resumed with the same number in Day 2 on Sunday.
The opening day was attended by CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani, Control Committee president Louis Timba, SOC Delegates Okba Gougam and Morakinyo Ebenezer, Referee Delegates Hassan Ahmed and Majeed Djirad and CAVB executive Director Howyda Mondy.
Autoridade
Pool A
ESS (TUN) v Autoridede (MOZ) 3-0 (25-14, 25-10, 25-17)
Ittihad Tangier (MAR) v Daim Hamad (SUD) 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-16)
In Pool A it was an easy journey for the Hosts ESS (TUN) to beat the less experienced Autoridade (MOZ) 3-0 (25-14, 25-10, 25-17) in 52 minutes. Outside hitter Mohamed Ben Ali was the match scorer with 15 points as the organisers dominated all the skills. Ittihad Tangier (MAR) overwhelm Daim Hamad (SUD) 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-16) in a match showing great performance for the winners in their first appearance at the continental level.
Douanes (BUR) needed more than 2 hours to overpower Atletico (CPV) 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 25-12, 24-26, 15-7) in one of the day’s most thrilling match.
Pool B
Swehli
FAR (MAR) v Swehly (LIB) 3-2 (19-25, 25-14, 25-15, 18-25, 15-13)
Zamalek (EGY) v Esperance (TUN) 3-1 (25-21, 15-21, 25-22, 25-20)
FAP (CMR) v Nahda (SUD) 3-0 (25-10, 25-14, 25-20)
Zamalek (EGY) started their campaign in the best performance as they battled the defending champions Esperance (TUN) 3-1 (25-21, 15-21, 25-22, 25-20) in an exciting show lasting 98 minutes. Opposite spiker Reda Heikal topped the match scorers with 17 points and helped with his 3 aces to pick the crucial victory.
FAR (MAR) showed a good come back for the Moroccan Volleyball as they topped Swehly (LIB) 3-2 (19-25, 25-14, 25-15, 18-25, 15-13) in a grueling five setter as Cameroon’s FAP beat Nahda (SUD) 3-0 (25-10, 25-14, 25-20) in a one side encounter.
FAR, Morocco
Pool C
Ahly (EGY) v GSU (KEN) 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-17)
Bourj Bouaririj (ALG) v APR (RWA) 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-14)
Espoir (COD) v Nemo Star (UGA) 3-1 (25-18,19-25, 25-19, 25-23)
Ahly
Egypt’s Ahly who have ten titles under their name overcame the struggling GSU (KEN) 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-17) as their coach Ibrahim Fakhedeen used most of the substitutes.
Bourj Bouaririj (ALG) trounced APR (RWA) 3-0 (25-10, 25-13, 25-14) in easy ways to put a positive impression since their last time finishing between at final 4 round in 2010 when they finished fourth. Espoir (COD) pulled off a 3-1 (25-18,19-25, 25-19, 25-23) victory over Nemo Star (UGA).
Pool D
Setif (ALG) v Support Unit (ZIM) 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-12)
Prisons (KEN) v Kampala (UGA) 3-0 (29-27, 25-13, 25-15)
Support Unit
Algeria’s Setif beat Support Unit (ZIM) 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-12) in their ambitions to improve their fifth place finish in 2014. Somoha (EGY) beat Ahly Beni Ghazi (LIB) 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 29-27, 25-23) in a fluctuating standards throughout the thrilling match.
Prisons (KEN) beat Kampala (UGA) 3-0 (29-27, 25-13, 25-15) in a match that showed a great competition in the first set and there after the Kenyans dominated the match completely.
Setif
Day 2 schedule
(ATM) Autoridade (MOZ) x (ATL) Atletico Clube (CPV) Pool A
(PRI) Prisons (KEN) x (SET) Etoile Sportive Setif (ALG) Pool D
(KAV) Kampala Amateur (UGA) x (AHB) Ahly Benghazi (LBA) Pool D
(NEM) Nemo Stars (UGA) x (AHE) Ahly Club (EGY) Pool C
(ASD) AS Douanes (BUR) x (IRT) Ittihad Riadi (MAR) Pool A
(EST) Espérance Sportive (TUN) x (NAH) Alnahada (SUD) Pool B
(GSU) General Service Unit (KEN) x (APR) Armée Patriotique (RWA) Pool B
(SWE) Swehly Sport (LBA) x (FAP) Forces Armées Police (CMR) Pool C
(SUZ) Support Unit (ZIM) x (SMO) Smouha (EGY) Pool D
(ESS) Etoile Sportive Sahel (TUN) x (HMD) Daim Hamad (SUD) Pool A
(ESP) Volley Club Espoir (COD) x (BOR) NRBB Arreridj (ALG) Pool C
(FAR) Forces Armées R. (MAR) x (ZAM) Zamalek (EGY) Pool B
Tunisia Volleyball Federation along with the organizer Etoile du Sahel are preparing the final touches to host the historic 2015 Men’s African Club Championship which is expected to attract a record number of African Clubs on March 7 to 16 competing for a World Championship’s Spot.
The record of participation belongs to the 2010 edition when 22 teams competed for the African most attractive tournament, but this year 24 teams are expected to battle it out in Sousse which is hosting the competition for the second consecutive year.
The competition will be hosted in 2 competition halls; Sousse Olympic and Msaken Halls in the Mediterranean city of Sousse.
Hamza Nagga (Etoile ) spiking
All the continental big forces will be represented like the record holder Ahly of Egypt who have 10 titles under their name beside the defending champions Esperance of Tunisia and Amalek of Egypt who won 5 cups.
Among the favourites also are Algeria’s Setif and Bourj Bouaririj, Morocco’s FAR and Cameroon’s FAP.
New comers are Zimbabwe’s Support Unit, Atletico VB of Cape Verde, Morocco’s Ittihad Tangier and Burundi’s Rukinzo.
The participating teams will be divided into 4 preliminary pools where the top two teams of each proceed to the quarterfinal, while the third and fourth ranked teams play for the 9 to 16 standings.
With 4 African club championships’ trophy under their name, Tunisia’s Esperance seek another glory when they represent Africa in the 2014 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship due to start in Belo Horizonte, Brazil May 5 to 11, 2014.
The Tunisian champions who lost the 2013-2014 local league to their compatriots Etoile du Sahel last week after losing the two final matches 3-1 are now looking forwards to set a new era through the participation in the World Championship.
Esperance earned a ticket to the World Championship by claiming the 2014 Men’s African Club Championship title in Sousse, Tunisia with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-14) victory over record holders Ahly of Egypt in the competition final at Olympic Hall in Sousse on March 29. The African champions won their 8 matches in the continental championship and dropped only 3 sets throughout their campaign to earn the African trophy.
Esperance is considered one of the most famous volleyball clubs in Tunisia as the multi sports club is the most popular in the North African country. After being away from the continental Awards for 14 years, Esperance won the African title early this year with a star studded team that include 8 national team stars.
The popular Tunisian team earned the African title 4 times in 1994, 1998, 2000 and 2014 beside 20 local titles.
Setter Mahdi Ben Cheikh, middle blocker Bilel Ben Hassine, Opposite spiker Hichem Kaabi and outside hitter Elyes Karamosli are some of the National team stars who will play in the 2014 FIVB World League later in June plus Russian Alexander Sorokoletov.
This will be the second time a team from Tunisia participates in the Men’s Club World Championship since the tournament resumed in 2009. Sfax took part in last year’s tournament, which was also held in Brazil.
The African representative at the 2014 FIVB Men’s Club World Championship will be determined on Saturday when 10 time champions Ahly (EGY) battle it out against 3 time champions Esperance (TUN) in the 2014 Men’s African Club Championship final at the Olympic Hall in Sousse, Tunisia.
Winners of the final will clinch the title and book a ticket to the FIVB prestigious event in Belo Horizonte, Brazil from May 5 to 10. The bronze medal match will take place between two Tunisian teams Sfax and Etoile du Sahel.
Ahly who own now the record of crowns to their name are now seeking their eleventh title after 1980, 1983, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2011 with a relatively new line up having only 3 players kept from the squad that won the last title since 3 years.
Ahly led their preliminary pool D with 4 straight victories over Ahly Tripoli (LIB), Prisond (CMR), FAP (CMR) and Beau Vallon (SEY) dropping only a set against the Libyan side.
They then continued their victory rhythm after beating Algeria’s Bourj Bouarrirj in the quarterfinal before they passed the biggest obstacle in the semifinal after beating defending champions Sfax after an epic tiebreaker to claim a final spot.
On the other had Esperance (TUN) who won the Arab Club Championship last month are now seeking their fourth trophy after 1994, 1998 and 2000 to make the trio of the Tunisian, Arab and African championships.
Their line up 7 current national team players beside the Russian Alexander Sorokltove and now they want to regain the cup they didn’t gain since 14 years.
Esperance led the preliminary Pool C with 5 straight victories over Ahly Benighazi (LIB), GSU (KEN), Port (CMR), Nemostars (UGA) and Mugher Cement (ETH) losing only a set in their way to the quarterfinal against the Libyan side. They took over Setif (ALG) in the quarters before they eliminated the organizers Etoile du Sahel in the semifinal.
2014 Men’s African Club championship- Drawing of lots
The drawing of lots for the 2014 Men’s African Club Championship was held in Sousse, Tunisia on Wednesday where the 21 participating teams were divided into 4 preliminary pools with Pool A, B and D having 5 teams and Pool C with 6 teams.
Organizers and 2 time champions, Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia were drawn in Pool A along with Nahda (Sudan), Ittihad Taangier (Morocco), Borj Bou Arririj (Algeria), Bafia (Cameroon).
Defending champions Sfax of Tunisia who have 6 titles under their name will battle it out with Autoridade (Mozambique), Stif (Algeria), Ettihad Misurata (Libya), Espoir (Congo RD).
Pool C includes 2013 vice champions Esperance of Tunisia who won the title 3 times beside GSU (Kenya), Nemo Stars (Uganda), Mughrer Cement (Ethiopia), Port (Cameroon), and Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya).
Ahly Tripoli (Libya) who finished third in 2013 will line up against the record holders Ahly of Egypt (6 titles), FAP (Cameroon), Prisons (Kenya) and Beau Vallon (Seychelles) in Pool D.
Teams of each pool will play in a round robin fromat where the top 2 teams in each quaify for the quarterfinals to play in a knock out format to determine the qualifiers till the final.
Teams ranked third and fourth in each pool will paly for the 9 to 16 brackets in the same knockout system.
The teams ranked 5th in each preliminary pool will fight for the 17 to 20 brackets, while the team ranked 6th in pool C will automatically finish as 21st position.
The annual CAVB competition acts as a qualifier for the FIVB Club World Championship to be held in Brazil May 6 to 11, 2014.
Day 1 Programme
Pool A
Etoile du Sahel (TUN) v Bafia (CMR)
Ittihad Tangier (MAR) v Borj Bouarirj (ALG)
Pool B
Autoridade (MOZ) v Espoir (COD)
Stif (ALG) v Sfax (TUN)
Pool C
Mugher Cement (ETH) v Port (CMR)
Nemo stars (UGA) Esperance (TUN)
GSU (KEN) v AHLY Benighazi (LIB)
Pool D
Prisons (KEN) v Beau Vallon (SEY)
Ahly Tripoli (LIB) v Ahly (EGY)
History of Men’s African Clubs Champions Championship
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