By Joel Ajayi
For the third consecutive year, Zamalek Giza has been crowned champions of the 2025 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship, held in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
Zamalek secured the title after a thrilling 3-1 victory over arch-rivals and ten-time champions, Al Ahly, in a gripping final that showcased the rising competitiveness of African women’s volleyball. With this victory, both teams have earned the right to represent Africa at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championship.
Zamalek claimed the first set 29-27, while Al Ahly bounced back to take the second 25-22, leveling the match at 1-1. However, Zamalek dominated the remaining sets, winning 25-20 and 25-22 to seal the championship in four sets.
Earlier in the day, Kenya Pipeline secured the bronze medal with a commanding 3-0 (28-26, 25-14, 25-18) win over Tunisia’s CF Carthage. The victory marked Pipeline’s eighth bronze medal in the tournament’s history and raised their overall medal tally to 21.
The Kenyan team started strong, edging out Carthage in a tightly contested first set. Smart serving and solid teamwork proved decisive in the closing moments, helping them clinch it 28-26. With growing confidence, Pipeline took control of the second set with sharp coordination and tactical superiority, cruising to a 25-14 win. The third set further showcased their depth and experience, as they maintained momentum and wrapped up the match 25-18.
The 39th edition of the CAVB Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship, which ran from April 1st to May 13th, featured 16 elite teams from across the continent. The tournament concluded with the announcement of the Dream Team, dominated by standout players from Egypt and Kenya.
This year’s championship not only highlighted the dominance of North and East African clubs but also reaffirmed the rising standard of women’s volleyball across the continent.
