Litto Team and Camerounsport Bounce Back While PAD Falls to Rwandan Power
Day two at the African Men’s Volleyball Club Championship brought contrasting results for Cameroon’s representatives. After disappointing opening losses, both Litto Team and Camerounsport redeemed themselves with vital victories, while PAD suffered its first setback.
Litto Team rebounded impressively following their opening loss to Tunisian giants Espérance, sweeping aside Volley Club Emmanuel from DR Congo in straight sets: 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-22). Their clinical performance featured dominant serving and receiving, effective blocking at the net, and consistent attacking throughout all three sets.
From the first whistle, Litto Team established their superiority with powerful serving that consistently put their Congolese opponents under pressure. Their blocking was particularly impressive, with their middle blockers shutting down Emmanuel’s attacking options and forcing errors. The first set was wrapped up in just 20 minutes, with Litto Team never looking troubled.
The second set saw Emmanuel attempt to find a way back into the match with more aggressive play, but Litto Team maintained their composure. Their excellent floor defence and transition play allowed them to counter-attack effectively, securing the second set 25-20 after 24 minutes of play.
Though Emmanuel raised their level in the third set and briefly threatened a comeback, Litto Team’s superior experience showed in the crucial moments. With precise setting and varied attacking options, they closed out the match 25-22, completing a comprehensive straight-sets victory that reignites their tournament hopes.
Meanwhile, Camerounsport showed tremendous fighting spirit to overcome Ghana’s Elwak Wings in a five-set thriller: 3-2 (25-19, 26-24, 24-26, 19-25, 15-12). After taking a commanding two-set lead, they weathered a strong Ghanaian comeback before clinching the decisive tiebreak.
The match began favorably for Camerounsport, who dominated the first set with their superior technical skills and tactical awareness. The second set proved more competitive, with Elwak Wings finding their rhythm and pushing Camerounsport to the limit before the Cameroonians edged it 26-24 to take what seemed like a commanding lead.
However, the Ghanaian side showed remarkable resilience, finding gaps in Camerounsport’s defense to claim the third set 26-24. Building on this momentum, Elwak Wings dominated the fourth set 25-19, forcing a decisive fifth set that had spectators on the edge of their seats.
In the tiebreak, Camerounsport rediscovered their earlier form just in time. With experienced players taking responsibility at crucial moments, they established an early lead and held their nerve to claim the set 15-12, securing a hard-fought victory that keeps their qualification hopes alive.
The previously unbeaten Port Autonome de Douala couldn’t maintain their winning start, falling to Rwanda’s Kepler VC in straight sets: 0-3 (23-25, 19-25, 21-25). Despite moments of brilliance, PAD struggled with reception and couldn’t match their opponents’ consistency throughout the encounter.
From the outset, Kepler VC demonstrated why they’re considered one of the tournament favourites, with their disciplined play and tactical awareness causing problems for PAD. The first set was closely contested, with PAD staying competitive throughout before Kepler clinched it 25-23 after 27 minutes.
PAD’s reception problems became more apparent in the second set, with Kepler’s serving putting them under constant pressure. Unable to establish their usual attacking rhythm, the Cameroonians fell further behind, losing the second set 25-19 in just 25 minutes.
There were signs of a PAD recovery in the third set as they adjusted their tactics and found more consistency in attack. However, Kepler’s all-round game proved too strong, with their efficient side-out play and effective blocking helping them close out the match 25-21, completing a convincing straight-sets victory.
Monday’s results have reshaped the tournament landscape, with all three Cameroonian teams still harbouring realistic qualification hopes as the group stage intensifies. The coming matches will be crucial in determining whether these teams can advance to the knockout stages and continue their quest for continental glory.
