Al Ahly of Egypt has become the first team to book a spot in the semifinals of the ongoing African Women’s Volleyball Inter-Club Championship in Abuja, Nigeria.
The nine-time champions (1999, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) displayed their dominance yet again by defeating Kenya Prisons 3-1 in a gripping quarterfinal clash:
25-12, 25-20, 22-25, 27-25.
After a commanding start, Al Ahly sealed the first two sets with ease before Kenya Prisons fought back in the third, stealing it 25-22. But the fourth set was a nail-biter, with the Egyptians finally edging it 27-25 to clinch the win.
Al Ahly will now face the winner of the Litto (Cameroon) vs Carthage (Tunisia) match in the semifinals.
Praise for Nigeria’s Hosting
The competition has also attracted praise from participants and officials for its top-tier organisation and facilities.
Ngon Ntame, head coach of Mayo Kani Evolution (MKE) of Cameroon — whose team lost to Al Ahly in the earlier round — described the event as a “thing of pride for Black Africa.”
“This is the first time in a long while this championship is hosted outside North Africa. Nigeria has done very well. The organisation and facilities are top-notch,” Ntame said.
She encouraged other sub-Saharan African nations to emulate Nigeria in hosting major sporting events.
Al Ahly Captain Confident of Victory
Al Ahly team captain, Mayar Khalifa, was full of praise for the organisers and expressed optimism about taking the trophy back to Egypt.
“Everything here is well organised—the officiating, training, transport, and overall management. Now, we’re focused on taking the cup home,” Khalifa said.
