Tunisia books its ticket for Japan
Egypt's chances to qualify to the volleyball World Cup in Japan were shattered. Inas Mazhar reports
In front of a high-spectator turn-out at the Police Federation sports hall, the Egyptian national volleyball team lost to the Tunisian team in three straight sets in the final of the 14th African Volleyball Championship.
Eight teams took part in the one-week event, divided into two groups of four teams each. Egypt and Algeria topped group A, with Tunisia and Cameroon claiming the top two spots of group B.
In the semifinals, Egypt beat Cameroon 3-0, while Tunisia beat Algeria -- also 3-0 .
The final was disappointing, to say the very least; fans distraught to see the national team lose not only the African Cup, but also the opportunity to play in the World Cup in Japan in November. Following Tunisia and Egypt, came former title holders Cameroon in the third place, and Algeria in fourth.
Said Abdel-Hamid El-Wesimi, head coach of the Egyptian national team, said that the Tunisian team deserved the title given their commendable play. El-Wesimi said he would present a report to the Egyptian Volleyball Federation breaking down the teams play and consequent loss. He added, however, that despite the loss he was pleased with the teams final spot.
"The second place is the highest for Egypt in 20 years," he said. "It's a newly-formed team. I've managed to bring together young, promising players who are the future of Egyptian volleyball. The team is now a combination of youth and experience," he continued. "If we give the team the chance it will definitely win the title in the future."
Not one to take a loss in sour spirit, El-Wesimi was clear on why the Tunisians won, saying that their solid play stemmed from perfect practice for the championship. Taking preparation very much to heart, the Tunisians played 32 international friendly matches.
"Despite the Tunisians winning the title," El-Wesimi said, "we were close to the new champions. We lost the second and third sets with only one point difference which proved that the match was so close."
The championship title was the eighth for Tunisia; Egypt hadn't won the title since 1983 and had hoped for a repeat this year.
Mounir Bin Soliman, head of the Tunisian delegation, said he was proud of his team's victory and qualification to the World Cup. The team will take a break for two weeks before commencing its preparations for the world Cup in Japan.
For Egypt, the coming two weeks will most likely be ones of contemplation; of their play, of their commitment, and of what their next step must be.
