Algeria earns Olympic ticket via African Women’s Qualification Tournament – Volleyball news
The women’s national volleyball team of Algeria reserved a berth in the upcoming London Olympic Games through African Olympic Qualification Tournament, which covered its length from February 2 to 4 in Blida, Algeria.
The hosts staged an eye-catching action on the net and finished as the top team of the competition. They were joined by three other African teams: Kenya, Egypt, and Seychelles.
Egypt appeared in three matches on respective three days of the qualification tournament and remained undefeated. They defeated Egypt on the opening day of the tournament and then overcame Seychelles in the second match.
On the third day of the tournament, Algeria was challenged by African Champion Kenya. The two teams had similar win/loss record in the previous matches. Kenya had also attained the 2-0 record after defeating Seychelles on the first day and Egypt in the second
match. However, the third match against Algeria proved to a detractor for them.
The two teams took centre stage on Saturday, February 4th and contested their games skills at the Tchaker Blida Hall in Algeria. The home team was equipped with all necessary tools and tricks of the game. Around 5,000 spectators, most of which were the local
Algerian fans, had come to watch the match. The rowdy Algerian fans showed their presence felt in the arena and made huge noise in the support of home team.
Kenya, which was tagged as the visiting team, had to deal with double challenge of Algerian team and fans. The guest team put up good effort but failed to dismantle the power of hosts.
Algerian ladies, on the other hand, demonstrated a stellar performance and posted 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 20-25, 25-12) victory over Kenya. Algerian victory was mainly credited to experienced wing spiker Faiza Tsabet and Centre Lydia Oloumou, who did a terrific
job. Also, the skilful setter Fatima Zahra proved her endeavours and contributed to the overall success of the team.
With this particular victory, Algeria secured a ticket to the London Olympic Games.
Hence, Algerian has become the fifth nation to qualify for the Olympics. Previously, top three teams of the 2011 FIVB World Cup earned the Olympic Tickets. Italy, USA, and China finished first, second, and third at the FIVB World Cup in Japan last year.
Great Britain did not have to go through any qualification process but it earned the right to participate in the Olympic being the host nation. Algeria has qualified for the mega competition of the year and it is first team that has qualified for Olympics
via continental qualification tournament.
Furthermore, this is the second time that Algeria will represent Africa in the Olympics. Previously, they competed at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Speaking of the achievement, the Head Coach of Algeria George Strumelo said, “The win came thanks to the sacrifice and good work of all the players who made a good preparation. Now we will celebrate this qualification then we will begin the preparation to
the 2012 London Olympics to make a good show.”
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