CAIRO – The atmosphere inside Dr. Hassan Mostafa Hall in 6th of October City was electric — drums rolled, flags waved, and chants of “Egypt” thundered across the stands.
Egypt’s U20 volleyball team produced a commanding display to sweep Cameroon 3–0 in the final, capturing the 2025 African U20 Championship title last month.
The victory not only crowned them continental champions but also booked their well-deserved ticket to the upcoming World Volleyball Championship, where they will represent Africa on the global stage.
The Young Pharaohs showed remarkable dominance throughout the final, controlling the rhythm of the match from start to finish. They clinched the three sets with scores of 25–20, 25–18, and 25–22.
The 2025 edition of the championship featured eight participating nations: hosts Egypt, Kenya, Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.
Pharaohs on fire
From the opening serve, Egypt set the tone. Ahmed El-Buhairi, later named Best Spiker, ignited the crowd with a blistering smash down the line. Cameroon tried to respond with quick middle attacks, but Egypt’s towering block, led by Youssef Al-Rassas, stood firm.
The second set was pure domination from the young Pharaohs. Mazen Sherif, the team’s playmaker and eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP), masterfully dismantled Cameroon’s defense, while Hamza Yassin’s blistering serves stretched Egypt’s lead beyond reach.
Cameroon fought back in the third set, matching Egypt point for point, but a long serve sealed the fate of the match — and the championship.
As the ball landed out, Egyptian players erupted in jubilation, coaches sprinted onto the court, and fans erupted in thunderous applause.
Unbeaten run
Egypt’s triumph capped a flawless campaign. The young Pharaohs opened the tournament with straight-set wins over Zimbabwe and Algeria, before overcoming Rwanda 3–1. Their toughest test came against Uganda, where they were emerged 3–2 winners.
By the semi-finals, Egypt was in full flow — dispatching Kenya 3–0 with ruthless efficiency. That victory paved the way for a final to remember, where they delivered their most complete performance of the tournament.
Kenya claimed the bronze medal after overcoming Uganda 3-1 in the third-place playoff.
The Kenyans took the opening set 25-19 before Uganda leveled the match 25-20, but Kenya regained control to seal the victory with decisive wins in the third and fourth sets, 25-15 and 25-23.
Stars shine
The championship showcased the depth and promise of Egypt’s next generation, with a number of rising stars stepping up and leaving their mark on the tournament.
El-Buhairi’s absolute power made him a constant threat for defenders, while Al-Rassas turned the net into a fortress, a performance that earned him the Best Blocker award.
At the center of Egypt’s success was Mazen Sherif, whose vision and leadership orchestrated the team’s rhythm en route to glory, earning him the award of Best Setter.
Supporting these standout performers were Ibrahim Adel, Mohamed Al-Deqqaq and Hazem Kamal, who delivered steady and reliable performances, while Malek Nour and Khaled Al-Feki injected fresh energy from the bench — together forming a balanced and formidable squad.
Official praise
In the stands, the triumph was celebrated. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, congratulated the team and Federation President Yasser Qamar, praising the triumph as part of a “golden era” for Egyptian sports.
Sobhy said that the achievement reflects the dedication of our athletes and the strong support system behind them.
CAVB President Bouchra Hajij commended Egypt’s organization of the tournament, describing the opening ceremony as “magnificent” and praising the hosts for showcasing African volleyball at its best.
For his part, Qamar, following the final from the Philippines where he was supporting the senior team, saluted the young Pharaohs: “The triumph reinforces Egypt’s status as a powerhouse in African and world volleyball.”
Looking ahead
With the African title secured, Egypt now sets their sights on the World Championship. The players know the challenge will be greater, but after an unbeaten run at home and individual honors aplenty, the young Pharaohs step onto the global stage with confidence.
As the golden trophy rose above a sea of Egyptian flags, it symbolized more than triumph — it marked a bold statement that Egypt’s volleyball future is shining, and the world will soon take notice.
