Libya hosts and wins African Men’s Volleyball Clubs Championship
Libya made a powerful comeback on the African sports scene, after hosting the 46th African Men’s Volleyball Clubs Championship in the coastal city of Misrata, and winning the title with its Al Swehly Sports Club (SSC). The win was historic, marking the country’s first ever championship in the tournament.
The tournament held at the newly renovated Misrata International Sports Hall hosted 23 elite teams from nine African nations, including volleyball giants like Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Kenya. It kicked off on April 19 with an exciting opening match between Espoir VB Club (VCE) from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the host team, Al Swehly Sports Club (SSC) of Libya.
For Libya, the event was more than just a sporting competition. It was a bid to re-establish itself on the regional and international stage after years of turmoil. “This is a moment we’ve waited for,” said a passionate fan who attended the matches with his son. “It feels like the world is watching Libya in a new light.”
Libya’s Al-Sweihli won the final following a thrilling match that concluded 3 sets to 2, defeating Tunisia’s Espérance, one of the titans of African volleyball. Libya’s champions rallied from a two-set deficit (25-21, 23-25, 25-21) to win the crucial fourth and fifth sets with unwavering fan support (25-21, 15-11).
Before now, Al-Ahly Tripoli’s third-place finishes in 2008, 2013, and 2019 are the closest Libya has been to the championship. After the game, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh presented the championship to Al-Sweihli.
The team will now compete in the Club World Championship as the continent’s representative in Brazil. Egypt’s Al-Ahly, meanwhile, defeated Rwanda’s Army squad in straight sets to claim third place.
Jean-Claude Maupita, President of the Control Committee, expressed his admiration for Libya’s efforts. “The organization is very good. The level of play is also impressive,” he remarked, highlighting the country’s ability to meet international standards despite its recent challenges.
Hosting this major event was part of a broader initiative by Libyan authorities to use sports as a platform for rebuilding national pride and fostering international engagement. The country is already laying the groundwork to host the Arab Volleyball Championship in 2026, a move that would further solidify its growing reputation as a regional sports destination.
For many, the tournament has stirred a sense of unity and optimism. The crowd energy, local media coverage, and community involvement have given the event the feeling of a national celebration. “It’s more than volleyball,” said another spectator. “It’s about showing that Libya is still here—strong, proud, and ready to move forward.”
Written by Kweku Sampson, edited by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq.
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