Zamalek won their fourth African Volleyball Club Championship (Men) after edging arch rivals Al Ahly in Friday’s final played at Abdalla El Faysal Hall in Cairo, Egypt.

Zamalek clinched the historic victory after an exciting five set final 3-2 (14-25, 25-23, 13-25, 25-19, 15-13) which lasted 91 minutes.

Al Ahly led twice 1-0 and 2-1 in sets but Zamalek fought back to secure their fourth title in the championship which dates back in 1984.However, Al Ahly still holds the record number of titles (eight). This result was a replica of last year’s final where Zamalek trounced Al Ahly in the final.

Meanwhile, Ahly Tripoli became the first Libyan club to secure a medal (bronze) in the championship after beating FAP of Cameroon in the third-place play-offs.

Else where, GSU of Kenya finished 5th after winning Sonel of Cameroon while APR secured a consolation 7th spot finish after victory over Port Douala of Cameroon.

The national league champions bounced back from a two set deficit to secure a thriller 3-2 (19-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-23, 15-10) victory. Chlef of Algeria and Inter Club of Congo Brazzaville completed the top ten slots.

Despite winning the trophy, it was Al Ahly who dominated the individual awards after claiming three accolades; Abdel Latif Othman (Best Blocker), Mahmoud Raouf (Best Spiker) and Ahmed Salah (Most Valuable Player).

Zamalek snatched awards for best setter (Ahraf Aboul Hassan) and best receiver (Mohamed Abdel Moneim) while Ahly Tripoli and FAP Cameroon produced the best digger (Valery Tatsitorum) and best server (Robert Samou) respectively.

Final Ranking

1.Zamalek     (Egypt)
2.Al Ahly        (Egypt)
3.Ahly Tripoli  (Libya)
4.FAP             (Cameroon)
5.GSU            (Kenya)
6.Sonel           (Cameroon)
7.APR              (Rwanda)
8.Port Douala  (Cameroon)
9.Olympic Chlef(Algeria)
10.Inter Club    (Congo Brazzaville)
11.Ahly Beni Ghazi (Libya)
12.Defense Force   (Ethiopia)
13.Prisons Service  (Nigeria)
14.Mugher Cement (Ethiopia)
15.Liberte               (South Africa)
16.Force Terrestre  (DR Congo)
17.VC Tonnere        (DR Congo)
18.Muzinga             (Burundi)

Ends