Historic Victories for Nigeria and Morocco at CAVB Championships
In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Nigerian duo Esther Onyinye Mbah and Pamela Miyoum Bawa, alongside Moroccan pair Zouheir Elgraoui and Soufiane El Gharouti, emerged victorious at the CAVB Beach Volleyball African Championships held in Alexandria. Their triumphs not only crowned them as continental champions but also secured coveted spots for their nations at the upcoming Olympic beach volleyball tournaments in Los Angeles 2028. The young athletes showcased exceptional skill, with 15-year-old Pamela and 19-year-old Esther previously representing Nigeria at the FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championship in Shangluo two years prior. Now, they stand on the brink of Olympic glory, ready to elevate their country's status on the global stage.
During the championship, Esther and Pamela faced a slight hurdle in the preliminary rounds, finishing as Pool D runners-up after a narrow defeat to Morocco's Alexandra Erhart and Nora Nezha Jihane Darrhar. However, the determined Nigerians bounced back in the gold medal match against the same opponents, decisively claiming victory with a straight-set win of 2-0 (21-18, 21-11). This victory marks a significant milestone, as it is their second continental podium finish, having previously secured bronze in the previous year. The silver medal was also a notable achievement for Nora Darrhar, the 2022 champions. Mozambique's Vanessa Muianga and Ana Sinaportar completed the women's podium with an impressive performance, overcoming the odds as the 20th seeds to clinch bronze.
Men's Competition Sees Moroccan Dominance
In the men's category, Zouheir Elgraoui and Soufiane El Gharouti demonstrated their prowess, navigating through the tournament without losing a single set in their seven matches. The second-seeded team showcased their experience and skill, culminating in a commanding performance in the final against Algeria's Kallouche Mohamed-Islem and Ayyoub Dekkiche, who were competing for the first time in a medal match at this level. The Moroccans secured a solid 2-0 (21-19, 21-12) victory, marking a historic achievement for them and ensuring their place in the Los Angeles Olympics.
Tunisia's Amine Lengliz and Adem Elmeddeb rounded out the men's podium, clinching the bronze medal with a convincing 2-0 (21-18, 21-16) win over Angola's Carlos Muondo and Eduardo Afonso. This achievement adds to Tunisia's rich history in the competition, having previously won the continental crown in the inaugural edition back in 2015. The thrilling matches in Alexandria showcased the rising standards of African beach volleyball, setting the stage for an exciting future for these athletes.
As reported by en.volleyballworld.com.
