The Algerian national men's volleyball team has successfully achieved its primary goal during the 25th edition of the African Championship held in Tunisia from September 13 to 25, 2026. The team secured their spot in the 2027 World Championship by delivering a commanding victory against Morocco, winning 3 sets to none. This win not only marked a significant milestone for the team but also demonstrated their resilience and determination throughout the tournament.
Under the guidance of coach Badis Okarash, the players approached the third-place playoff with unwavering strength and commitment. They left no stone unturned in their quest to clinch the third position, which was crucial for qualifying for the upcoming World Championship in Poland. With only three spots available for African teams, the Algerian squad showcased remarkable performance in both offense and defense, overcoming the mistakes made during their semifinal match against Cameroon, particularly in the critical net area, which is essential for converting plays into points. The first set ended favorably for Algeria, with a score of 25 to 19. Despite a closer competition in the second set, the team, led by captain Youssef Barouba, maintained their focus and concluded it with a score of 25 to 21. In the third set, the players tactically sealed the victory with a score of 25 to 18, earning them the bronze medal and securing direct qualification to the World Championship, a primary objective set by the current coaching staff.
A Promising Young Team and Acceptable Results
The Algerian national team participated with a roster of young players who were making their debut at the African Championship. In the initial round, they were placed in Group C alongside Chad and Nigeria. They achieved a significant victory against Chad, winning 3 sets to none, but faced a setback against Nigeria, losing 3 sets to 1. Despite this, they advanced to the quarterfinals as the second-placed team. The squad led by Abi Ayoub Mohammed Walid showcased a much-improved performance against Kenya, winning 3 sets to none. The quarterfinals presented a daunting challenge against Egypt, the defending champion and a strong contender for the title. This matchup was highly anticipated, drawing attention to the Arab derby as fans awaited the outcome. The first set was won by Algeria, but Egypt bounced back, taking the second and third sets. However, the Algerian players rallied in the fourth set, winning it and forcing a decisive fifth set, which concluded with a thrilling score of 15 to 13 in favor of Algeria. Despite their impressive run, the national team fell short in the semifinals against Cameroon, leaving their only remaining goal to qualify for the World Championship, which they accomplished against Morocco in a dominant performance.
Coaches and Players Reflect on Success
Coach Badis Okarash expressed his delight at the team’s third-place finish, stating, “I am very happy with achieving third place in the African Championship in Tunisia, as our primary goal set by the Algerian federation was to qualify for the upcoming World Championship in Poland in 2027.” He also noted the significant improvement in the level of the African Championship in recent years, particularly in terms of physicality, as many teams have emerged, playing competitively for the titles. Okarash emphasized their commitment to ensuring the best possible preparation for the World Championship to honor the national flag.
Player Abdel Rahim Aarab highlighted the effort put forth by the team to secure the win in the placement match, remarking, “The competition was incredibly tough, given the intense rivalry among the participating teams in this edition.” He acknowledged the challenges faced throughout the tournament but celebrated their achievement of qualifying for the World Championship, particularly with a young squad that was participating in the African Championship for the first time. Aarab praised the organizational aspect of the tournament, thanking the Tunisian hosts for their exceptional arrangements.
Veteran player Youssef Barouba, reflecting on the tournament, remarked, “The level of African volleyball is continuously improving, and this edition of the championship showcased a high level of play. I believe this development will benefit us in future endeavors, enhancing our technical and physical readiness, as well as our mental presence. After qualifying for the World Championship, I assure the Algerian audience that better days are ahead.”
As reported by ech-chaab.com.
