North African clubs dominate as Prisons are eliminated

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya Prisons’ campaign in CAVB African Club Championships ended after they lost to five-time winners Sfaxien in semi-final match in Tripoli, Libya.

Sfaxien overwhelmed Prisons 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-15) in a one sided semi-final. 

Sfaxien did not find any trouble while stopping Prisons, who came into the game with ambitions of a second final appearance.

Three-time champions Esperance of Tunisia hammered home team Al Ahly Tripoli 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-15, 25-14) to qualify for the final.

The Tunisian compatriots — Esperance and Sfax — meet in the final today where winner earns ticket to play in October’s FIVB World Championship in Brazil.

The elimination of Prisons from the Championships once again showed that clubs from North Africa will continue to rule men’s volleyball on the continent.

Out of the four semi-finalists only Prisons were non North African team.

In play-off 5-8, Al Ahly Benghazi (Libya) beat Autoridade Tributaria (Mozambique) 3-1 (25-14, 27-25, 20-25, 25-20.

Youth side

Benghazi found life easy against Tributaria, however, the youth side from Mozambique was applauded for giving the home side a tough time.

Forces Armee Police (FAP) of Cameroon beat Swahili (Libya)   3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 28-26) to set a final date with Bengahazi.           

The 2005 finalist FAP also did not have mercy for another home side Swahili, as they swept them even though the home side had taken the first set.               

 In position 13-16 play-off, Muzinga (Burundi) beat AUC (Ivory Coast) 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, and 25-16).

It was Muzinga’s second win of the tournament, which gave them some hope of finishing in a decent position.  AUC lost their fifth straight game of the tournament.

DGSP (Congo Brazaville) beat Muger Cement (Ethiopia) 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-9).

DGSP played their best game so far where their reception and attacks were up there and it troubled the Ethiopians throughout the game

In position 9-12 play-off, Delta Spikers (Nigeria) beat Alnahda (Sudan) 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-16).