The Cameroonian flag will fly high on Tuesday in Alexandria, Egypt, after both the men’s and women’s U18 volleyball teams battled their way into the semi-finals of the CHAN tournament, keeping alive the dream of a first-ever world championship qualification for the young Lionceaux and Lioncelles.
Juan Mbira and his teammates gave nothing away against Burundi on Monday at the American Pioneers School gymnasium. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. The Cameroonian boys, guided by coach Martial Djoby, crushed Burundi in straight sets, 25 21, 25 12, 25 18, and looked every bit the team to beat in this competition. Burundi tried to hang on, particularly in the opening set, but once Cameroon found their rhythm, there was little anyone could do to slow them down.
That result sends the young Lions through to face Nigeria on Tuesday, with a place in the final now firmly within reach.
On the women’s side, coach Donald Nsounfon’s squad, led by Kimora, secured their own semi final berth with a 3 1 win over Morocco. The result also confirmed Cameroon’s position as third finishers in the opening round, behind Tunisia and Egypt, with Algeria rounding out the group.
But the real test comes next.
Cameroon’s semi final opponent on Tuesday is a familiar and painful one. Tunisia beat the young Lioncelles 3 0 in their very first match of the tournament, and this time round there’s a score to settle. A win would do more than send Cameroon into the final. It would open the door to the U18 World Championship, a prize the whole federation has been chasing.
Tuesday’s semi final schedule reads as follows.
2pm (12pm Cameroon time), Cameroon vs Tunisia
For Fecavolley, having both the boys’ and girls’ teams reach the last four in Alexandria is already a mark of progress. Now the federation will be hoping for something even bigger, two tickets to the world championship, and perhaps a final that Cameroonian volleyball fans won’t forget in a hurry.
