The Algerian national men's volleyball team achieved a significant milestone during the 25th edition of the African Championship held in Tunisia from September 13 to 25, 2026. They successfully secured a ticket to the 2027 World Championship by dominating their Moroccan counterparts with a convincing victory of three sets to none. This achievement marks a crucial step for the team, as it underscores their commitment to excelling on the continental stage.
Under the guidance of coach Badis Okarach, the team entered the placement match for third place with remarkable determination and vigor. They showcased their skills on the court, driven by the goal of clinching the third position that would grant them qualification for the World Championship in Poland in 2027. With only three spots available for African teams, the Algerian squad demonstrated exceptional performance in both offense and defense, effectively addressing the errors from their semi-final match against Cameroon, particularly in critical net play, which is vital for effective blocking and scoring.
Young Talents Shine and Deliver Promising Results
The Algerian national team comprised a group of young players who were participating in the African Championship for the first time. They initially competed in Group C alongside Chad and Nigeria, where they achieved a resounding victory against Chad, winning three sets to none. However, they faced a setback against Nigeria, losing three sets to one, which resulted in a second-place finish in the group and qualification for the quarter-finals. In the quarter-finals, the team displayed a significantly improved performance against Kenya, winning three sets to none. The semi-final clash against the defending champion and favorites, Egypt, was a highly anticipated match that captured the attention of fans. Despite winning the first set, the Algerian players faced tough competition as the Egyptians came back to win the second and third sets. Nevertheless, the Algerian team rallied in the fourth set and managed to secure a narrow victory, leading to a decisive fifth set that ended in their favor at 15-13 after a remarkable comeback. Unfortunately, they were unable to advance to the finals, succumbing to Cameroon in the semi-finals. The primary goal remained to qualify for the World Championship, which they achieved with their emphatic victory over Morocco.
Coaches and Players Celebrate Achievement and Look Ahead
National coach Badis Okarach expressed his satisfaction with securing third place in the African Championship, emphasizing that the primary goal set by the Algerian Volleyball Federation was to qualify for the upcoming World Championship in Poland in 2027. He noted the significant development in the quality of play at the African Championship in recent years, attributing it to the emergence of several teams that have begun to compete effectively for titles. Okarach stated that the team would strive for optimal readiness to represent Algeria proudly at the World Championship.
Player Abdel Rahim A'arab highlighted the team's dedication and effort in securing the win in the placement match for World Championship qualification. He acknowledged the fierce competition among participating teams and emphasized their commitment to achieving their direct goal. Despite the challenges faced, the team successfully qualified for the World Championship with a roster of young players making their debut at the African level. A'arab praised the organizational quality of the tournament, expressing gratitude for the support from his teammates and acknowledging Tunisia's excellent hosting of the competition.
Team captain Youssef Brouba also shared insights on the overall competition, noting that the level of African volleyball continues to evolve. He expressed optimism for the future, stating that the recent qualification for the World Championship sets a foundation for further improvement in technical, physical, and mental readiness. Brouba assured the Algerian fans that they can expect even better performances in the future.
As reported by ech-chaab.com.
