Egypt’s blockers were the key in the win over Cameroon
Tunisia picked up their third victory in a row – a 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-21) win over Algeria – to remain as heavy favourites for the Olympic berth.
Egypt have a 3-1 record in the round-robin tournament, while Tunisia are 3-0 and are ahead of Cameroon (2-1). Both Algeria and Ghana are winless after three matches.
Tunisia can clinch the Olympic berth if they beat hosts Cameroon on the last day of the five-nation tournament on Saturday. If Cameroon win, Egypt, Cameroon and Tunisia will be level and the points ratio will determine the African representative for London 2012.
Egypt 3, Cameroon 2 (27-25, 23-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-7)
In front of 4,600 excited spectators, Egypt won a thriller against hosts Cameroon in a little under two hours. Egypt big gun Ahmed Salah Abdelhay regained the form that made him the Best Spiker in last year’s World Cup and sent a flurry of unstoppable hits through the Cameroon defence, finishing with 28 points. He was Egypt’s top scorer. But the match featured another superb performance from Cameroon outside hitter Jean Ndaki, who was the top scorer in the match with an impressive 35 points.
Tunisia 3, Algeria 0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-21)
Tunisia continued their winning streak with a crushing victory over winless Algeria in 61 minutes. The Algerian players dropped the first two sets and handed the momentum to Tunisia. Tunisian opposite spiker Marouen Garci and wing spiker Elyes Karamosli each scored 10 points to lead their team, while Ali Kerboua topped the Algerian scorers with 10 points.
Match Schedule and results
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
TUNISIA v EGYPT 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 29-27, 25-23)
CAMEROON v GHANA 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-12)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
GHANA v EGYPT 0-3 (21-25, 8-25, 17-25)
ALGERIA v CAMEROON 2-3 (24-26, 25-19, 22-25, 27-25, 18-20)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
EGYPT v ALGERIA 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 26-24)
TUNISIA v GHANA 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-21)
Friday, January 20, 2012
TUNISIA v ALGERIA 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-21)
EGYPT v CAMEROON 3-2 (27-25, 23-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-7)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
GHANA v ALGERIA
TUNISIA v CAMEROON
