In a display of sporting prowess that bordered on the utterly dominant, Egypt`s junior volleyball teams have etched their names into the annals of African sports history.
At the recent African Boys and Girls Under 16 Championships held concurrently in Tunis, Tunisia, from August 22 to 31, Egypt didn`t just win; they **conquered**, claiming both the boys` and girls` gold medals with an undefeated record. This wasn`t merely a victory; it was a clear declaration of intent, a demonstration of volleyball mastery that left their competitors, quite frankly, playing for second place.
Pharaohs of the Court: The Boys` Triumph
The boys` competition, featuring four determined nations – Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco – quickly became a testament to Egyptian tactical superiority and athletic execution. They navigated the preliminary round with a perfect **3-0 win-loss ratio**, accumulating a maximum 8 points and leaving little doubt about their intentions. Algeria and Tunisia showed flashes of brilliance, securing the second and third spots, respectively, while Morocco found the going tough.
Their journey to gold saw them dispatch Morocco in a straightforward semifinal clash, winning in straight sets (25-17, 25-20, 25-18). This set the stage for a final showdown against host nation Tunisia, who had edged out Algeria in a hard-fought five-set semifinal. In a match where the pressure might have daunted lesser teams, Egypt remained unyielding, securing a commanding **3-0 victory** (25-17, 25-20, 25-19) to claim the championship title. Algeria, meanwhile, fought hard to earn the bronze, overcoming Morocco in a tight 3-2 contest.
Individual Brilliance Shines Bright
Such a commanding performance naturally translated into individual accolades. The Boys’ Dream Team was predominantly Egyptian, with an impressive five players earning spots. Outside hitter **Abdelaziz Mohamed** was deservedly crowned the Most Valuable Player, leading a stellar lineup that included:
- **Hussein Selem** (Best Opposite)
- **Mostafa Omar** (Best Middle Blocker)
- **Tageldin Aly** (Best Setter)
- **Hamad Ziad** (Best Libero)
It seems the sand of the court truly belonged to them. Algeria’s Allal Mohamed Iyad also earned a Best Middle Blocker nod, while Tunisia’s Jenhani Mahdi completed the Dream Team as Best Outside Hitter.
An Unblemished Record: The Girls` Dominance
If the boys` victory was a masterclass, the girls` performance was an outright exhibition. Comprising five nations – Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Madagascar – the girls` tournament saw Egypt embark on a **flawless six-match winning streak**. Their preliminary round record of 4-0, yielding 12 points, set a formidable precedent, with Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco following in pursuit, while Madagascar struggled to gain traction.
The semi-final against Morocco was a swift affair, ending predictably in Egypt`s favor with a decisive 3-0 sweep (25-11, 25-11, 25-06). That third set score left observers wondering if Morocco had simply run out of… well, everything. Tunisia then defeated Algeria in their semifinal to set up an all-North African final. The outcome? Another emphatic **3-0 victory** (25-18, 25-19, 25-16) against the hosts, crowning Egypt as champions without dropping a single set throughout the *entire* competition. A truly rare feat in competitive sports, showcasing a level of consistency that borders on the unbelievable. Algeria secured the bronze, overcoming Morocco with a decisive 3-0 sweep.
Stars of the Future: Girls` Dream Team
Individual brilliance mirrored the team’s collective might, with Egypt’s **Abdelrahim Joud** earning both the Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter awards. She was joined by teammates **Mohamed Lena** (Best Setter), **Meawad Rynad** (Best Libero), and **Abouelhassan Nijar** (Best Middle Blocker) in the Dream Team. Silver medalists Tunisia, while second best, also saw three talented players recognized: Allouch Malak (Best Outside Hitter), Chaffari Ranee (Best Middle Blocker), and Karamosly Hajer (Best Opposite).
Beyond African Shores: The Road to the World Championships
Beyond the gleaming gold medals and individual accolades, these championships held an even more significant prize: qualification for the prestigious **2026 FIVB Boys and Girls Under-17 World Championships**. By securing the top three spots in both gender categories, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria have earned the honor of representing Africa on the global stage.
For Egypt, these dual victories are more than just a momentary triumph; they signify a robust foundation for future volleyball success and a testament to effective youth development programs. The Pharaohs of the court are clearly ready to extend their dominion far beyond the African continent, proving that their golden era is just beginning.
Marcus Blakely