Thanks to the females, Egypt's volleyballers are going to the world championships in Japan In Japan, in the fall of 2006, the world's best men's and women's volleyball teams will compete in the world championships, the largest and most prestigious event in the sport. Egypt -- at least its women -- will be among them. Inas Mazhar reports. Egyptian women booked the first African ticket to the championships after blanking Nigeria 3-0 in the final to earn a berth in the finals scheduled to be held in November 2006 in Japan. From 31 October to 3 December 2006, the duration of the championship, a global audience will witness a brilliant display of physical, mental and tactical prowess on the court. Over 200 countries are taking part in a full year of continental qualification rounds. Only 22 will make it. And only three out of 13 African countries have the chance of an appearance in Japan. Egypt was one of the lucky ones. The qualification, held in Cairo included Nigeria, Botswana, South Africa and the hosts Egypt. Playing in Ahli club, the Egyptians won all three matches 3-0 against Botswana in the opening, South Africa then Nigeria, the All- Africa Games gold medallist. "When Nigeria beat us for the gold medal at the African Games in Abuja 2003, it was different. Everything was in their favour. They were playing at home, in hot weather and in a hall that had no air conditioning. They were used to it but we weren't," said Egypt's team captain Tahani Tousson. "This time we had the advantage. The Ahli club hall is one of the best in Africa, indeed like in the world championships. This is the real result," added Tousson, who is currently studying at Leipzig University in Germany to become a coach. The best spiker in the history of Egyptian volleyball, Tousson was recalled to lead Egypt in the qualifications. Nigerian coach Tony Abuheyama said his team lost the opportunity to beat Egypt again and qualify. Matters were not helped when Nigeria came with just 10 players instead of 12. "We were expecting two of our Turkish-based players to catch up with us but they never showed up. If I had known they would let us down, I would have taken two other players in the same position. That would have definitely changed the result. "Anyway, I have learned a lesson in the future: never to leave my country for a competition with any player missing from the list. I can't afford to believe promises that aren't kept." There is an opportunity for two more African women's teams to go to Japan. A second stage of qualifications will be held in Mauritius from 22 to 24 April with Cameroon, Tunisia, Uganda and Mauritius fighting for the second ticket. The third and final seat is available in Kenya with Algeria, Ivory Coast, Congo, Eritrea and Kenya battling. Alexandria will host the second stage of the men's qualifications starting today. Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Sudan and Egypt will clash. Surprisingly only two men's teams will make it to the world championship. "The International Volleyball Federation has decided to allocate three places to women to enhance and support women in Africa," said Bob Clark, IVB coordinator. "Besides, there are more African women's teams in the continent." By Inas Mazhar
