MISRATA, May 1, 2025 – Libya became the beating heart of African volleyball as it hosted from April 19 to 29, 2025, the 46th edition of the African Men’s Club Championship in Misrata. This exceptional event saw the local team, Swehly Sports Club, lift the trophy in front of their home crowd after a final of extraordinary intensity.

---

In a packed Misrata International Arena, the Libyan club etched a glorious chapter in its history by defeating Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) in a breathtaking match, winning 3 sets to 2 (25–23, 23–25, 25–20, 22–25, 15–12).

A Prestigious Final Worthy of Africa’s Elite

Pitting two seasoned teams well-versed in continental competitions, the final lived up to all expectations. In front of a jubilant crowd, Swehly quickly took the lead by claiming the first set in a euphoric atmosphere. Espérance, true to its reputation, responded by taking the second set, setting the stage for a thrilling back-and-forth battle that carried both teams into a decisive tie-break.

In the fifth set, buoyed by overwhelming home support, the Libyan squad found the mental strength and tactical precision needed to prevail during the match’s most critical phases. A thunderous roar erupted as they secured the winning point, sealing an unprecedented triumph.

With a total match time of 2 hours and 5 minutes, this showdown between the Libyans and Tunisians will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in recent tournament history, both for the intensity of play and the quality of the spectacle.

A Tournament Marked by Technological Innovation

The 46th edition of the Championship was marked by the first-ever introduction of the Video Challenge system in African volleyball — a major technological leap for the sport on the continent. Equipped with 23 cameras in compliance with international standards set by the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) and the CEV (European Volleyball Confederation), this system ensured greater fairness and transparency in officiating.

The setup included:
• 6 line cameras to verify whether balls landed in or out of bounds;
• 2 net cameras to detect net or penetration faults;
• 6 block cameras to analyze contact during blocking phases;
• 2 attack line cameras for zone-related infractions;
• 6 floor touch sensors to track precise ball-to-floor contact;
• 1 overview camera providing a wide-angle view for overall coordination.

Technology Serving Sporting Fairness

The Video Challenge system, a true revolution in volleyball officiating, allowed coaches to challenge specific decisions by requesting instant video reviews. Thanks to the multiple camera angles, referees could reassess disputed plays and make informed, objective rulings. This technology significantly reduced human error, boosted trust in refereeing decisions, and reinforced the integrity of the game.

Beyond the general excitement, CAVB President Bouchra Hajij emphasized the broader innovations that made this tournament a turning point for African volleyball. In addition to the Video Challenge system, electronic scoreboards, real-time commentary, live scoring synchronized with FIVB standards, and live streaming across 54 African countries transformed the competition into a truly modern sporting event.

This successful integration of cutting-edge technology, combined with unprecedented media coverage across digital platforms and television broadcasts, was hailed by President Hajij as a major step forward in elevating the visibility and credibility of African volleyball on the global stage.

A Remarkable Level of Play

From a sporting perspective, President Hajij praised the technical and tactical quality witnessed throughout the tournament:

“This edition showed an impressive level of play. It proved there are no more ‘small teams’ in Africa.”

Indeed, the 46th edition stood out for its increasingly balanced performances, with matches often going down to the wire — a sign of the growing competitiveness and professionalism of African clubs.