BANJUL, The Gambia – September 5, 2025 — Sierra Leone’s Under-18 men’s beach volleyball team stormed into the semi-finals of the CAVB Youth Development Tournament in Banjul, turning early setbacks into one of the tournament’s most inspiring comeback stories.
The championship, organized under the banner of Olympic Solidarity, serves as a key preparatory stage for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and showcases Africa’s brightest young volleyball talents.
Flying Sierra Leone’s flag are Alie Kanessie of Air Force Volleyball Club (Bo) and Sulaiman Bangura of Forcians Volleyball Club (Freetown). Both athletes, making their international debut, are products of the national youth sports initiative Operation Podium Finish – Dakar 2026.
Their campaign got off to a shaky start with a straight-set loss to Nigeria on Day One. The hurdles grew tougher when Bangura fell ill during their second match against Ghana, forcing Sierra Leone to forfeit. But from adversity came resilience.
Kanessie and a fully recovered Bangura bounced back with commanding wins over Namibia and Côte d’Ivoire, setting up a high-stakes quarter-final showdown against Nigeria.
In a thrilling twist, the Sierra Leone duo overturned their earlier defeat, dispatching Nigeria in straight sets to claim a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals.
“This team has shown remarkable grit and determination. From battling illness to defeating a top-ranked side like Nigeria, they’ve demonstrated that Sierra Leone’s youth volleyball belongs on the continental stage,” team officials remarked after the victory.
Sierra Leone will now face Ghana once again in the semi-finals on Saturday, September 6, with a place in the finals at stake.
The tournament also reflects progress beyond the court. On the sidelines, the FIVB and CAVB are conducting an international refereeing course to strengthen officiating standards across Africa. Sierra Leone is proudly represented by referees Amadu O. Bangura and Peter Abdulai, underscoring the nation’s growing presence in the field of sport.
With momentum on their side and Dakar 2026 firmly in sight, Kanessie and Bangura carry the hopes of Sierra Leone into the decisive stages of the tournament.
Credit: Alusine Bangura, SLENA Correspondent
