Gambia achieved a remarkable victory at the FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championship in Doha, Qatar, overcoming the United States in a tightly contested boys’ Main Draw match with a 2-1 result. Representing Africa, Bakari Ensa Kanyi and Abdallah Bah—a duo holding the U18 continental title—defeated Spencer Smith and Cash Essert of the USA in an electrifying Pool F encounter (22-20, 14-21, 15-12).
Hosted at Al Gharafa courts, the tournament features 64 teams: 32 boys' and 32 girls' duos. Gambia's win positions them favorably to top their group and advance directly to the Round of 16.
Other Highlights from the Championship
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's team—Jonathan Mulapwa Sakeni and Mutendi Nzazi—secured a straight-set win over the Netherlands in Pool G.
- On the girls’ side, nine teams secured early qualification by winning both opening matches.
- Top-performing girls' teams include Americans Avery and Addison Junk, and Jordyn Scribner and Ella Grimes. They defeated opponents from Brazil, Paraguay, and other nations decisively.
- Unbeaten teams also included duos from Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Canada.
Tournament Progression
The format allows the top three teams from each pool to advance. The structure is as follows:
- Pool winners move directly to the Round of 16.
- Second and third-place teams compete in the Round of 24.
- Knockouts commence on Thursday, with medal matches concluding the event on Saturday.
The FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championship continues to be a launching pad for emerging talents worldwide, with Gambia’s win highlighting the growing strength of African youth volleyball.
Read the full story on the official FIVB website.
