The Algerian national para-volleyball team claimed the bronze medal at the 2025 African Nations Championship after defeating Morocco in straight sets (3-0) on Wednesday in Nairobi during the third-place playoff.
The Algerian squad delivered a solid performance, winning the match in three sets (25-18, 27-25, 25-12).
“This was like a final for us because a medal was at stake. The players remained focused throughout the match, which we absolutely had to win to stay on course with our goals set before arriving in Nairobi,” said national coach Abdelkader Kefif to APS.
“We are happy with this bronze medal. It’s not easy to come here and deliver such a performance. We had to stand out in a championship featuring the best teams on the continent: Egypt, Rwanda, host nation Kenya, and South Africa. The players deserve praise not only for the result but also for their fighting spirit during the matches, even though we could have done much better in the semi-final against Rwanda,” he added.
Algeria began the tournament (July 4–9) in Group A with a hard-fought win over Kenya (3-2: 14-25, 27-25, 20-25, 25-20, 13-15), before falling to Rwanda, the reigning African vice-champion, 3-0 (25-23, 25-12, 25-17). Finishing second in their group, the Algerians then faced Egypt—Group B leaders—in the semi-finals, losing 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-16).
“Certainly, we could have aimed for more than third place. I believe Rwanda was within our reach in the semi-final, but unfortunately, some players approached the game without conviction. It’s a lesson for the future: never underestimate yourself, regardless of the opponent’s reputation,” emphasized Coach Kefif.
Egypt and Rwanda, the tournament’s finalists, qualified for the 2026 World Championship in China.
In the women’s competition, Rwanda was crowned African champion after defeating Kenya in the final (3-0: 25-17, 25-15, 25-20).
Beyond this continental event, the Algerian team is also aiming to participate in the Open World Cup, scheduled for October 12–18, 2025, in the United States.
“In Nairobi, we proved that the national team has made great progress. But if we want to go further, a collective effort is needed, as the potential is there, particularly among the newcomers such as Khélifa Salaheddine, Messaoudi Sofiane, Mekki Khlifa, and others. Now we must build on this progress through everyone’s commitment,” concluded Kefif.
The coaching staff and players have expressed strong interest in participating in the upcoming Open World Cup, which they consider crucial to maintaining the team’s momentum.
