The Gambia captured international attention with a stunning 2-1 victory over the United States at the 2025 FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championship in Doha. This marked their debut in the global tournament and an enormous leap forward for African representation in youth beach volleyball. The reigning African U18 champions triumphed in a tense three-set match (22-20, 14-21, 15-12), showcasing not only talent but tactical maturity.
Behind this breakthrough were standout athletes Bakary Ensa Kanyi and Abdallah Bah, who held their nerve against an experienced American pair. Their composed performance throughout the deciding set propelled them to a crucial win and proved that African teams are increasingly formidable contenders on the international stage.
On the women’s side, Hoja Njie and Mariama Sambou delivered a strong comeback after an initial loss to Canada. They rebounded by cruising to a 21-12, 21-10 victory over hosts Qatar. This win secured their advancement into the elimination rounds, affirming the depth and development of Gambian women’s beach volleyball.
The progress of both Gambian squads owes much to the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, which invested $42,000 into nurturing the sport in Gambia. Their continued rise reflects the impact of structured coaching and international training. Head coach Félix Lopez and assistant Amadou Jarju have been instrumental in preparing the players for high-level competition.
Road to the Knockouts
Both men's and women's teams now advance to the tournament's knockout phase. Here's how qualification works:
- The top three duos from each of the eight pools move forward
- Pool winners advance directly to the Round of 16
- Second and third-place teams compete in the Round of 24
African Momentum Builds
Gambia’s early achievements are more than just underdog victories—they reflect a broader trend in African beach volleyball. This momentum suggests a promising future, as the continent begins to make its mark on the global sports landscape. The message from Doha is clear: African teams are confident, capable, and climbing fast.
For more information, read the full story on the FIVB official website.
