Egypt’s Al Ahly beat defending champions Tunisia’s Mouloudia Sport de Bousalem 3-0 in the final
The title holders will now represent Africa at this year’s FIVB Club World Championship in December
Kenya Prisons stunned Al Naser of Libya to win the bronze medal
Al Ahly men’s team were crowned African Clubs Champions after a convincing 3-0 (25-21,25-17,25-18) win over Mouloudia Sport de Bousalem on Tuesday night in Cairo, Egypt.
The straight sets win in the final capped a perfect record by the team from Egypt, who did not drop a set in the entire competition, winning eight matches unscathed.
After topping Pool A with 12 points, Ahly defeated Volleyball Club Espoir of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Police Volleyball Club of Rwanda in a 3-0 scoreline in the Round of 16 and quarter-finals respectively.
A 3-0 sweep of Al Naser of Libya in the semi-finals saw them book defending champions Mouloudia Sport de Bousalem in the final where they continued their dominance to claim a record-extending 16th African title on home soil.
Following their win, Al Ahly will now represent Africa at this year’s FIVB Club World Championship in December.
CAVB President Bouchra Hajij (second right) and Egyptian Volleyball Federation President Yasser Kamar (left) present the trophy to Al Ahly captain Abdallah Abdelsalam (centre) (Photo credits: Al Ahly)
Mouloudia settled for silver in what was their second podium appearance in the history of the competition, having won gold in last year’s edition.
Kenya Prisons, who had lost to Mouloudia 3-0 in the semi-finals, produced a remarkable comeback in the third-place playoff, rallying from a set down to stun Al Naser 3-2 and claim the bronze medal.
It was a welcome return to the competition for the team from Kenya after a six-year absence. Their only other podium appearance was in the 2011 edition when they won the silver medal in Cairo.
The Dream Team of the 45th Men’s African Club Championship title in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo credits: Al Ahly)
Al Ahly dominated the Dream Team, with legendary opposite Ahmed Salah leading the way as Most Valuable Player. He was joined by veteran setter and captain Abdallah Abdelsalam, middle blocker Abdelhalim Ebo and outside hitter Abdelrahman Elhossiny.
Mouloudia’s Simion Kipkorir and Mohamed Khalil also made the cut as Best Opposite and Second Best Middle Blocker respectively. Peter Kibata of Kenya Prisons emerged as Best Libero while Hector Alexis Cruz of Al Naser completed the Dream Team as Second Best Outside Hitter.