Al Nasser Edges Past Cameroonian Side in Marathon Battle as Group Stage Intensifies
Litto Team’s rollercoaster African Championship campaign continued with a nail-biting five-set defeat to hosts Al Nasser Sports Club of Libya. The marathon contest saw the Cameroonian side fall just short: 2-3 (23-25, 25-23, 26-24, 15-25, 12-15) in what was arguably the most dramatic match of the tournament so far.
After dropping the opening set by the narrowest of margins, Litto Team showed remarkable resilience to claim sets two and three, putting them on the verge of a famous victory. However, the Libyan hosts, roared on by passionate home support, dominated the fourth set before edging a tense decider.
The match began with both teams trading powerful hits and spectacular defensive plays. Al Nasser, buoyed by vociferous home support, edged the opening exchanges and secured the first set 25-23 after 27 minutes of high-quality volleyball. The Libyan side’s serving proved particularly effective, forcing Litto Team into several reception errors that ultimately proved decisive in the set.
Undeterred by this setback, Litto Team regrouped magnificently in the second set. Adjusting their reception patterns and finding more rhythm in attack, the Cameroonians gradually took control. Despite fierce resistance from Al Nasser, Litto Team leveled the match by claiming the second set 25-23 after 32 minutes of intense action.
The third set produced even more drama, with momentum swinging back and forth between the two sides. Neither team could establish a significant lead, resulting in a thrilling conclusion. With nerves of steel, Litto Team saved two set points before converting their own opportunity to win 26-24, moving ahead in the match and silencing the home crowd.
With their backs against the wall, Al Nasser responded like true champions in the fourth set. Raising their intensity and accuracy to new heights, they overwhelmed Litto Team with powerful serving and clinical attacking. The Cameroonians struggled to cope with this onslaught, eventually surrendering the set 15-25 in just 22 minutes, the shortest set of the match.
The decisive fifth set was a fitting climax to an extraordinary contest. The teams remained inseparable in the early exchanges, tied at 8-8 at the changeover. However, Al Nasser found an extra gear at the crucial moment, winning several key points to establish a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Despite Litto Team’s valiant efforts, the Libyans closed out the set 15-12 after 21 minutes to seal a remarkable comeback victory.
The total match duration extended to 2 hours and 13 minutes, with the second set being the longest at 32 minutes. Throughout the contest, there were 11 lead changes, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter.
This defeat marks Litto Team’s second loss in three matches, complicating their qualification hopes from Group D. They now face a must-win situation against APR VC (Rwanda) in their next fixture to keep their knockout stage dreams alive.
