The 2011 10th All Africa Games - 3-18.09 - Mozambique

  • Maputo, Mozambique, September 6, 2011 - Algeria and Cameroon were both in celebration mode on Tuesday as they qualified for the 2011 All Africa Games final in both the men's and women's categories after coming through their respective semifinal matches at Maxaquene Hall in Maputo, Mozambique.


    Cameroon needed a five set marathon to beat Kenya in a thrilling men’s semifinal 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-8] in what was arguably the match of the day, while Algeria qualified to the men’s final after they cruised past dark horses Rwanda 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 30-28].


    In the women’s championship, Cameroon, fifth ranked team at the last African Nations Championship, stunned African champions Kenya 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 31-29, 25-20), while the Algerian women had the easiest journey as they swept past Nigeria in straight sets (25-16, 25-17, 25-19).


    The finals will feature exciting clashes in both genders on Wednesday between Algeria and Cameroon, while the Kenya and Rwanda men's teams will fight for the bronze medal and Nigeria battle Kenya for women’s third and fourth positions.


    The semifinal day was attended by CAVB president Dr Amr Elwani, vice-director of the Games organizing committee (COJA) Cesar Penalva, CAVB Vice President Majore Timba, and CAVB officials Mory Keita, Aminata Fofana, Morkinyo Ebenzer, Majid Djirad, Emmanuel Ngoloko and Howyda Mondy.


    Men Semifinal 1-4
    Cameroon beat Kenya 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-8]


    Nathan Wounembaina and Jean Ndaki guided Cameroon past Kenya in a gruelling five-set match 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-8] lasting for almost two hours. The outside hitter and the opposite attacker scored most of their team’s points in each of the long sets to qualify to the final for the third time.


    Wounembaina led Cameroon with his razor sharp spikes in the first set as he used the skilful combination of the promising setter Ahmed Mbutgam to win 25-22. The second set was more exciting as Kenya deployed their solid block against the Cameroonian attackers and also they used strong spikes from in-form Philip Maiyo to win the set 25-23.


    Cameroon started to use their spike service, especially from Zamguim Nongny and Jean Ndaki, to advance in the third set up until 16-9 at the second TTO. Kenya fought back in an effort to save the set but their inconsistent reception allowed Cameroon to win 25-17.


    The Kenyan coach Chinje Gideon changed the position of Maiyo from opposite to left attacker and placed Ontere Nyang as opposite as Kenya changed their attacking strategy to allow the middle blockers inot the match, winning the set 25-22m taking the match to tiebreak.


    However Wounembaina and Ndaki led the Cameroonian attack in the fifth to break the Kenyan defence and lead their team to the final.


    Algeria beat Rwanda 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 30-28]


    Algeria sailed past Rwanda in straight sets (25-21, 25-16, 30-28] to clinch a final berth against Cameroon after a great face off, especially in the third set. Rwanda will play Kenya for the bronze medal.


    Rwanda started the match with much motivation as they had nothing to lose before the match. They used the talent of opposite Guma Yakan to penetrate the Algerian defense and lead several times before Algeria fell back on their quick attacks through the combinations led by the setter Khaled Kessai to win the set 25-21.


    The Algerian players used their spike service efficiently to disturb the Rwandan team in the second and they succeeded in gaining a wide lead to win the set comfortably 25-16.


    The Rwandan team reached to their peak performance in the third when they improved their reception and started to build their attacks through their wing spikers. Algeria, knowing that without a change of tactic the side would be taken to a fourth set, improved their blocking and attacking to save four set points from Rwandan team to win the match in straight sets.


    Men play off 5-8


    Seychelles beat South Africa 3-1 (26-24, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20)
    Seychelles outlasted South Africa 3-1 (26-24, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20) in a strong encounter that showed a lot of fluctuation througout.


    Seychelles started the match with a better arrangement in attack through left attacker Furneau Fan who sent his sharp spikes from all net positions to allow his team to win the first set 26-24. South Africa came back after adjusting their reception where the experienced setter Gershon Rorich led the team to draw even at 1-1. Again Seychelles deployed their block and started to use their spike services to put a pressure upon the South Africans to win the third and fourth sets.


    Seychelles qualified to compete for the 5 and 6 positions leaving South Africa to battle it out for the 7 and 8 standings.


    Nigeria beat Mozambique 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-21)


    The better performing Nigerian team pulled off a straight sets victory over hosts Mozambique in little time. The Nigerian spike service played a greatest role in the victory as Mozambique failed to get their reception going. Nigeria went through to win the first and second sets after a group of spikes from Ocbonnaya Okoh. Mozambique played well in the third set as they used the relative relaxation in the Nigerian team to lead several times, but the Nigerians fought through their complacency to come back at the end of the set winning critical points to complete a straight sets victory.


    Women Semifinal 1-4
    Cameroon beat Kenya 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 31-29, 25-20)


    Cameroon came through a hard-fought match against valiant African champions Kenya 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 31-29, 25-20) in the first semifinal lasting 110 minutes. Rose Rebecca’s swooping spikes from all over the court ultimately gave the Cameroonians a narrow edge in a close match which could have gone Kenya’s way in a match littered with lead changes, hustle plays and long rallies.


    The Kenyan team suffered from the improper reception, particularly in the second and third sets, that forced coach David Lungaho to replace most of the standing players with the bench and consequently the unity and harmony of the team decreased.


    On the other hand the fifth ranked Cameroon team played with full concentration in defence and fought for each ball throughout the match and through their big guns Rose, Nana Tchoudjang and Roline Tatchou they managed to penetrate the Kenyan block.


    The first set was the best for thee Kenyans led by their setter Jane Wacu and the middle blockers Brakcides Khadambi and Diana Khisa as they succeeded to come back several times to win 26-24. The second illustrated great problems in the Kenyan reception which cost them to lose seven direct aces as Cameroon stormed to the set win 25-22. The Kenya coach made a number of substitutions replacing main setter Wacu with Janet Wanja and changing the outside hitters which cost him dearly as they went on to lose the third and fourth set.


    Cameroon qualified for their second All Africa Games final in row while Kenya plays for the bronze.


    Algeria beat Nigeria 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-19)


    The Algeria tight defense and block was the key factor in their victory over Nigeria in the second women's semifinal as libero Salima Hammouche put on a defensive master class against the Nigerian attacks to win the match 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-19) in 66 minutes.


    Algeria began with a wide lead in the first set after good combinations from experienced setter Fatima Zahra and spikers Faiza Tsabet and Zohra Bensalem. The Algerian blockers played their best in the second set as Mouni Abderrahim and Lydia Olumou made a solid barrier against the Nigerian attacks to win easily 25-17. The third set was the best for the Nigerians as they improved their defense and used powerful attacks from Mercy Promice and captain Chinyere Onuoha to lead several times but again Algeria regained their dominance at the net to win the set 25-19 and the match in straight.


    Women play off 5-8
    Senegal beat Seychelles 3-2 (32-34, 25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 15-8]
    In a thrilling 5-8 playoff match, Senegal bounced back twice to cruise past Seychelles 3-2 (32-34, 25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 15-8] after a memorable game which lasted 108 minutes.


    Seychelles started the match well, winning the first set despite dropping five set points. Senegal came back aggressively to win two successive sets after they used their skillful combinations to lead 2-1. Seychelles came back on time after they arranged their backline defense and deployed their solid block against the Senegalese outside hitters, taking the fourth to draw again at 2-2. Senegal again regained their rhythm to win the tiebreak widely 15-8 and the match 3-2.


    Senegal will now play for positions 5 and 6, while Seychelles compete for the 7 and 8 rankings


    Botswana beat Mozambique 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-15)
    Botswana served up a superb contest to fly past hosts Mozambique 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-15) in 58 minutes. The winners controlled the match throughout, with their better reception and blocking making the difference.


    Botswana now challenge Senegal for the 5 to 6 places while Mozambique compete for the last two positions.


    Semifinal Results on September 6, 2011
    Men
    Semifinal 1-4
    Cameroon beat Kenya 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-8]
    Algeria v Rwanda 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 30-28]
    Play off 5-8
    Seychelles v South Africa 3-1 (26-24, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20)
    Nigeria v Mozambique 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-21)


    Women
    Semifinal 1-4
    Cameroon v Kenya 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 31-29, 25-20)
    Algeria v Nigeria 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-19)
    Play off 5-8
    Botswana v Mozambique 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-15)
    Senegal v Seychelles 3-2 (32-34, 25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 15-8]


    Finals Program on September 7:


    Men
    Final: Cameroon v Algeria
    3-4: Kenya v Rwanda
    5-6: Seychelles v Nigeria
    7-8: South Africa v Mozambique


    Women
    Final: Cameroon v Algeria
    3-4: Kenya v Nigeria
    5-6: Botswana v Senegal
    7-8: Mozambique v Seychelles

  • Maputo, Mozambique, September 7, 2011- Cameroon's men and Algeria's women grabbed gold at the 2011 All Africa Games after both sealed wins in the final at Maxaquene hall in Maputo, Mozambique as the tournament concluded on Wednesday.


    Cameroon had to fight for more than two hours to overpower Algeria in a stunning encounter as they clinched a 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 15-11) win to pick their third gold medal at the All Africa Games. But the tables were turned in the women's edition as Algeria swept past Cameroon 3-1 (25-14, 25-23, 18-25, 25-14) in an exciting final to win their third crown and second in row.


    Kenya won bronze for both genders after they downed Nigeria in the women's competition and Rwanda in the men's.


    The final day was attended by CAVB president Dr Amr Elwani, Mozambique Minister of Sports Pedrito Caetano, ANOCA president General Lassana Palenfo, COJA director Tose Cossa, vice-director of the Games organizing committee (COJA) Cesar Penalva, CAVB vice-president Majore Timba, and CAVB officials Mory Keita, Aminata Fofana, Morkinyo Ebenzer, Majid Djirad, Emmanuel Ngoloko and Howyda Mondy.


    Men's Gold Medal Match
    Cameroon beat Algeria 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 15-11)


    Cameroon needed two hours in a gold medal match which will go down in history as one of the all-time classics, as they cruised past a spirited Algeria side in a thrilling five setter 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 15-11). Cameroon's big gun Jean Ndaki guided his team with unstoppable hits and sharp services and was the star of the match.


    The first set was a point-by-point affair throughout and but began with Algerian dominance trough their quick attacks. However Cameroon came back through the hits of Jean Ndaki and Nathan Wounwmbaina to draw 8-8 and then 16-16. Algeria again went ahead with combinations from setter Khaled Kessai who distributed well to opposite attacker Mehdi Hachemi and Oumessad. Cameroon then allowed several service and reception errors to creep into their game, allowing Algeria to win the set 25-23.


    The second set again saw Algerian move ahead early on, with Ali Kerboua and Billel Soualem in the tight block before Cameroon narrowed the gap at the first TTO to 8-7. The set remained close until Algeria made strides at 19-16. Cameroon retained their consistency and succeeded to have a big push through Ndaki’s powerful services to win the set 25-22.


    Cameroon continued that momentum into the third set as Ndaki led them in a marvellous performance through spike services and razor sharp hits. Algeria’s reception became unstable as they lost five points from service aces making it easy for Cameroon to go ahead and take the set and the provisional lead.


    Algeria adjusted their reception and backline defence in the fourth to lead 8-7 at the TTO after a group of quick attacks from Oumessad and Youcef Zerouki. Cameroon then began to use middle blockers Zamguim Nongny and Marie Engala and the tactic clearly worked as they drew level several times. But Algeria regained their rhythm to take a comfortable lead at 16-13. From their it was a mere formality for the Algerians as they pushed through to win the set and take the match into a decisive fifth.


    Ndaki played a key role in the tiebreak with his spike service and sharp spikes that Algeria failed to stop. The side tried to come back, but they became their own worst enemy with several reception and spiking mistakes as Cameroon continued their spirited performance to win the tiebreak 15-11 and a heart-stopping match 3-2


    Men Bronze Medal Match
    Kenya beat Rwanda 3-0 (25-15, 28-26, 25-17)


    Kenya grabbed the bronze medal following their win against neighbors Rwanda in straight sets (25-15, 28-26, 25-17). With the win Kenya avenged their loss against Rwanda in the All Africa Games Qualifications held in Kigali, Rwanda early this year.


    Kenya started the match using their sharp spike services, particularly from Ontere Nyang and Philip Maiyo as the Rwandan attack failed to get going, losingt he set 25-15.


    The second saw Rwanda rearrange their line-up through setter Herve Kagimbura who served his passes to opposite attacker Guma Yakan and wing spiker Eric Nsabimana. The side led many times and even had two set points, but Kenya thwarted both to win 28-26.


    The second set loss saw Rwanda's energy levels deplete as the players became less motivated in the third set. On the flipside, the Kenyans continued their steady performance to take the win and improve on their fourth place showing at the last tournament.


    Men 5th Place match
    Nigeria beat Seychelles 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-19)


    Nigeria used their skilful attackers and sharp spike service to clinch a straight sets victory (25-22, 25-23, 25-19) over the struggling Seychelles in the fifth place match lasting 63 minutes.


    Nigeria’s spike service was effective in crucial moments of the match and that allowed them to win the first and second sets narrowly, and the third set saw Nigeria dominate further after the Seychelles committed several reception mistakes.


    Men 7th place Match
    South Africa beat Mozambique 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-19)


    South Africa hammered hosts Mozambique 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-19) to take seventh as they overwhelmed the home side with their taller players.


    Women Gold Medal
    Algeria beat Cameroon 3-1 (25-14, 25-23, 18-25, 25-14)


    Algeria successfully defended their All Africa Games title after they beat battling Cameroon 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 18-25, 25-14) in the final match lasting 109 minutes.


    Algeria started the match well with their discipline in defence adding to Cameroon's lack of concentration following their marathon match against Kenya in the semifinal. Algerian setter Fatima Zahra used her combinations to deceive the Cameroonian block as she set to opposite Zohra Bensalem and middle blocker Lydia Olumou to help take them to a wide lead at 8-3. Cameroon's poor reception continued allowing their rivals to win the set easily 25-14.


    The second set was a different story as Cameroon adjusted their block through Boum Ngo and Roline Tatchou to lead 4-0 and 8-2 at the first TTO. Algeria again regained their pace and rearranged their block through Olumou and Mouni Abdrrahim to narrow the lead and eventually draw even at 20-20 before a service from Faiza Tsabet saw them lead for the first time at 21-20. Tsabet and Zahra's influence saw Algeria win critical points at the end of the set as they moved ahead 2-0.


    Cameroon took their performance up a gear in the third as they arranged their combinations through setter Tatiana Baran and attackers Rose Rebecca and Roline to take the lead at the first TTO. The Algerian reception began to quiver and the Cameroonians took full advantage to march on to the set win.


    Left attacker Faiza Tsabet helped rouse the Algerians in the fourth as she sent her razor sharp hits from all over the court allowing her team to pick up the set and the gold medal.


    Women Bronze Medal Match
    Kenya beat Nigeria 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-18]


    Kenya rebounded from a semifinal loss to Cameroon with a straight-sets (25-14, 25-15, 25-18] win over Nigeria in the bronze medal match in 61 minutes. The Kenyans discarded the drawbacks from their defeat a day earlier as their reception was key to their victory.


    The Kenyan coach changed the main line up and started with Janet Wanja as a setter as they succeeded to control the net through experienced center Brakcides Khadambi to win the first set 25-14.


    The outside hitters Everline Makuto and Mercy Moim were also successful as they penetrated the Nigerian block frequently, clinching the second and third sets easily to take bronze.


    Women 5th place Match
    Senegal beat Botswana 3-0 (25-15, 27-25, 25-14)


    Senegal overpowered Botswana 3-0 (25-15, 27-25, 25-14) in 61 minutes to take fifth as they were carried through the match on the back of a tight block and solid reception.


    Senegal proved to be the better team throughout the match and their better discipline and block remained solid despite a shaky period midway through the second set when Botswana improved their attack. But Senegal maintained their composure to win a number of crucial points and eventually took the win.


    Women 7th place Match
    Seychelles beat Mozambique 3-0 (25-19, 25-7, 25-21)


    Seychelles achieved their first victory in the competition as they avenged Mozambique 3-0 (25-19, 25-7, 25-21) in the seventh place match. Mozambique won the first match between the two during the the group stage 3-2.


    Seychelles finished in the seventh while hosts Mozambique ended at the bottom of the table.


    Finals Results on September 7:


    Men
    Final: Cameroon v Algeria 3-2 (23-25, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 15-11)
    3-4: Kenya v Rwanda 3-0 (25-15, 28-26, 25-17)
    5-6: Nigeria v Seychelles 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-19)
    7-8: South Africa v Mozambique 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-19)


    Women
    Final: Algeria v Cameroon 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 18-25, 25-14)
    3-4: Kenya v Nigeria 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-18]
    5-6: Senegal v Botswana 3-0 (25-15, 27-25, 25-14)
    7-8: Seychelles v Mozambique 3-0 (25-19, 25-7, 25-21)


    Final Men Standings
    1. Cameroon
    2. Algeria
    3. Kenya
    4. Rwanda
    5. Nigeria
    6. Seychelles
    7. South Africa
    8. Mozambique


    Final Women Standings
    1. Algeria
    2. Cameroon
    3. Kenya
    4. Nigeria
    5. Senegal
    6. Botswana
    7. Seychelles
    8. Mozambique