GSU and Prisons shine in playoffs at Men’s Africa Volleyball Club Championships
Next up in the 9th-12th place classification contest is a thrilling all Kenyan battle later today between Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and GSU
The Kenyan pair of General Service Unit (GSU) and Kenya Prisons got a reprieve in classification matches as the 46th edition of the 2025 CAVB Men’s Africa Volleyball Club Championships nears conclusion at Misurata, Libya.
In the 9th-16th places classification spots, GSU under Gideon Tarus came from a set down to win 3-1 (23-25/25-19/25-17/25-18) against Cameroon Sportive. Next up in the 9th-12th place classification contest is a thrilling all Kenyan battle later today between Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and GSU. KPA had Saturday lost to FUS (Faith Union Sport) of Morocco 3-2 (25-21/23-25/23-25/25-18/9-15) in a Round of 16 duel.
In the 17th-24th place classification, Kenya Prisons saw off El Wak Wings of Sudan (21-25//16-25/25-22/25-15) in an epic match. The Prisons side utilised their outside hitters to launch attacks in this match even as they imposed themselves at the centre for block of opponents hits. Following that result, Prisons will now face off with Litto Team Volleyball of Cameroon in the finals of 17th-18th place. Litto had beaten Nemostars Volleyball Club of Uganda by 3 sets to 1 (25-22/17-25/17-25/25-14/15-11).
Meanwhile, in the Quarter finals played Sunday, the only East African side left in the contest APR (Rwanda Patriotic Army) humbled hosts Ittihad Club of Libya3-1 (17-25/25-19/25-21/25-19). The Rwandan team stood out for its mental resilience and opportunism, able to adapt as the match progressed to reverse the momentum after losing the first set.
This close battle saw the Rwandese side leaving everything on the floor in closely fought sets. For their troubles, APR is rewarded with a semi-final meet against another Libyan side Swehly Sports Club who beat Faith Union Sport of Morocco in three straight sets of 3-0 (25-18/25-11/25-14)
At the same time, defending champions Al Ahly SC of Egypt have a date with destiny later on in the night as they face fellow bigwigs and North African compatriots Esperance Sportive de Tunis. The winner in this semi-final contest is likely to be a frontrunner for the cup.
Al Ahly saw off Volleyball Club Elspoir of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by 3-1 (25-27/25-17/25-22/25-11). The reigning champions have been on a solid run for the entire of this tournament and are in the running to defend their trophy. The 16 time winners used their experience and big stage mentality to see off the Congolese side.
In terms of match statistics; Al Ahly had 55 points scored on attacks, for only 16 fouls while Volleyball Club Espoir had 40 points in attack, but conceding 27 fouls. Al Ahly displayed a clear offensive superiority, both in terms of efficiency and discipline. Al Ahly Sporting Club’s ability to tighten its defense and vary its attacks that made the difference.
