Algeria's Volleyball Success at the 25th African Championship
The Algerian national men's volleyball team has achieved a significant milestone by securing their first goal in the 25th African Championship, which took place in Tunisia from September 13 to 25, 2026. This success was marked by a resounding victory against Morocco, winning in straight sets with a score of 3-0, which also earned them a coveted spot in the 2027 World Championship.
Under the leadership of coach Badis Okarash, the Algerian squad entered the third-place playoff with determination and vigor, giving their all on the court to clinch the third-place finish that would qualify them for the global event in Poland. Given that Africa had only three slots available for the World Championship, the Algerian team showcased exceptional performance in both offense and defense, correcting errors made in their previous semifinal match against Cameroon. Notably, they improved their net play, which is crucial for effective blocking and converting opportunities into points.
The match unfolded favorably for the Algerian players, with the first set ending 25-19 in their favor. Despite a closer contest in the second set, where the team managed to maintain focus and ended with a score of 25-21, they tactically dominated the third set, sealing the match with a score of 25-18. This victory not only secured the bronze medal but also ensured their direct qualification for the World Championship, which had been the primary goal set by the current coaching staff.
Young Talents and Strong Performances
The Algerian national team entered the tournament with a roster of young players, many of whom were making their African Championship debut. In the first round, they competed in Group C alongside Chad and Nigeria, where they achieved a decisive victory against Chad, winning 3-0, but faced a setback against Nigeria, losing 3-1. Despite this, they advanced to the quarterfinals as the second-place team. In a remarkable turnaround, the players, led by Abou Ayoubi Mohamed Walid, showcased a much-improved performance against Kenya, defeating them 3-0.
The quarterfinals presented a fierce challenge as they faced Egypt, the defending champions and strong contenders for the title. This match was not just another game; it was a highly anticipated derby between the champion and the runner-up from the previous edition, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike. The Algerian team initially took the lead by winning the first set, but the Egyptians rallied back to claim the second and third sets. However, the Algerian players regrouped and won the fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth set, which they clinched 15-13 after a thrilling comeback. Unfortunately, their journey ended in the semifinals as they lost to Cameroon, but the team's singular goal remained clear: to qualify for the World Championship, which they successfully achieved against Morocco.
Coach Badis Okarash expressed his happiness with the third-place finish in the African Championship, stating, “I am very pleased with our achievement, as our primary objective 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 competition within the African Championship in recent years, particularly regarding physical conditioning, as many teams have begun to play competitively and vie for titles.
Player Abd Rahim A'arab emphasized their commitment, stating, “We gave our all to secure victory in the ranking match and ensure our qualification for the World Championship. The competition was incredibly intense considering the high stakes among the participating teams.” He acknowledged the organizational level of the African Championship and thanked their opponents while expressing gratitude for the efforts made by the team to achieve their goals.
Captain and experienced player Youssef Broba remarked on the ongoing improvements in African volleyball, stating, “The level of African volleyball is continuously evolving, which has raised the standard of this championship. I believe this development will benefit us in our future endeavors and enhance our readiness both technically and physically. After qualifying for the World Championship, I assure the Algerian fans that better days are ahead.”
As reported by ech-chaab.com.
