The Black Spikers men’s team lost 0-3 to Mali in their opening match, but recovered to win three consecutive matches, including a sweet revenge over Mali, to win the tournament.

The Ghanaians beat Niger 3-0 in their second match to qualify for the semi-finals, where they defeated Benin 3-1. They went on to thrash Mali with a 3-0 victory in the tension-packed final.

However, the female Spikers went a step further to win all their four matches to win the ladies division. They beat Benin 3-0, defeated Niger 3-0, thrashed Burkina Faso 3-0 and overpowered Mali too with another 3-0 scoreline in the final to lift the trophy.

African Games preparation

The vice-president of the Ghana Volleyball Association (GVA), George Tettey, told the Daily Graphic the competition served as a preparatory ground for the national teams towards the 2023 African Games.

“We are also scouting for more talents, grooming some and honing the skills of others for the national cause.”

He expressed gratitude to the Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, and the Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Prof. Peter Twumasi, for making it possible for the two teams to participate in the tournament.