Defending champions Esperance of Tunisia will later today in Kalibia take on 14-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the final of Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship in Tunisia.
The contrast could not be greater. Whilst this is a virgin territory for the Esperance, it will be Ahly’s many finals in the last five editions of the competition and they were able to clinch the title 14 times, which have made them the kings of the court in Africa.
In the semi-finals decided on Sunday, Ahly overcame a stubborn Port Douala side in straight sets 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-20), while Esperance stopped Gisagara in another straight sets victory 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-20).
A win for Esperance will see them achieve their aim of defending the title, while a win for Ahly will see them win the title for the 25th time.
Port Douala and Gisagara will battle it out in the third-place playoff.
In classification match for 5-8, Club Olympique de Kelibia beat FAP of Cameroun 3-1 (25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23) and will now play final ranking 5-6 against Kenya Ports Authority, while FAP will play position 7-8 against Nigeria Customs as the latter lost 3-0(25-19, 25-18, 25-15) to KPA.
In classification of 9-12, AS Douanes of Burkina Faso beat Madda Walabu University 3-2 (21-25, 25-14, 25-27, 25-13, 15-8). AS Douanes will now play ranking match for 9-10 against Equity Bank of Kenya, while Madda will play 11-12 against AS INJS as the former beat the latter 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 28-30, 25-23, 15-7).
In final ranking match for position 13-14, VC Espoir of Congo overpowered Wolaitta Dicha of Ethiopia 3-0 (25-22, 30-28, 25-22). Espoir are ranked 13th, while Wolaitta finished the competition in 14th position.
