The Gambia put up an incredible spirited performance on their debut of the FIVB U18 Beach Volleyball World Championship, beating the USA and becoming the only African country to reach the round of 16.
The boys from the Smiling Coast defied odds and etched their names in the history books by beating USA 2-1 in their maiden match of the world championship in Al Gharafa courts.
Kanyi/Bah returned to the courts for their second game but were beaten by Chile in a straight set.
The CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball champions beat Paraguay to secure a round of 24 berth, where they beat Dr. Congo in two straight sets (21-15, 21-13).
The Gambia U18 boys’ journey came to an end following their 2-0 defeat against Turkey in the round of 16.
Hoja Njie and Mariama Sambou opened their debut with a 2-0 (11-21, 06-21) defeat to Canada’s Ruby Cochrane & Sophie Hancock.
The girls regrouped, reenergized, and found their feet back with a 2-0 victory over host country Qatar in straight sets (21-12, 21-10).
Reaching the elimination stage round of 24, the girls fell short after falling against Venezuela 2-0 (21-9, 21-9).
USA retained the FIVB Beach Volleyball Under 18 World Championship title for the girls’ category, while Norwegians Ludvig Sødal Ringøen & Sebastian Lyngaas Kjemperud are the 2025 Under 18 World Beach Volleyball Champions.
Coach Félix Lopez drew lots of positive attention at the U18 World Championship when talking to the press in Qatar.
“This group has great potential. I believe that in two years, we will have players from this generation who will go on to become beach volleyball stars at the international level,” asserted Lopez.
The Gambia, Dr. Congo, Burundi, Egypt, and Morocco were five African countries that represented the continent, but only the Gambia reached the round of 16, while Egypt and Dr. Congo only stopped at the round of 24.
The Alkamba Times spoke to the local assistant coach, Amadou Jarju, briefly as he touched on their output.
“We were representing Africa; we held each other close to one family. We didn’t feel under pressure because we were showing the world that Africa has talent that can compete against anyone, anywhere.”
“Winning our first game against the USA was really important to us. Because previously the Gambia did participate in the world championship, but winning a game was a problem. That jinx is finally broken. It is a big achievement for us. The USA is among the biggest nations as far as beach volleyball is concerned.
I showed the players that this is sport. I always give the example of the Qatar duo Sheriff and Ahmed Tijan; they are Africans originally from the Gambia & Senegal. If they are doing it for Qatar, going to the world stages, going to the Olympics, and winning gold and silver, that literally means there is talent in Africa. We can do it for the Gambia; there is no magic, just pure determination and grit.”
“Our target was to be on the podium; however, it’s another step to be in the competition because our performances were applauded and recognized.”
Jarju called for government investment.
“We started in Africa, and we have conquered there. We want to conquer the world, but that needs investment and support, especially from the government. If our training camp went as planned, we would have a better performance. Let them support the team; they are young players, and they are willing to play and represent their nation. If we have support, we will be able to achieve a lot,” he added.
