The Ghana U-19 men’s volleyball team delivered an outstanding performance to clinch the silver medal at the recently concluded 2024 Men’s U-19 Nations Volleyball Championship held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Despite their valiant efforts, the young Ghanaian team fell to Sierra Leone in the grand finale, losing in two straight sets with scores of 21-13 and 21-11. However, their second-place finish ensures their qualification for the 2024 Volleyball World Championship in China.
Under the guidance of their experienced head coach Seidu Ajanako, the Ghanaian squad began their campaign with a decisive victory over DR Congo, winning in three sets. Though they stumbled in their second match against Namibia, losing 21-13, 21-18, they secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
In a thrilling quarterfinal rematch, Ghana avenged their group-stage defeat to Namibia by winning in straight sets (22-20, 25-23). They continued their impressive run by defeating DR Congo again in the semi-finals with scores of 22-20 and 21-18, earning their place in the final.
The final match against Sierra Leone proved challenging, as the inexperienced Ghanaians succumbed to a straight-set defeat (21-13, 21-11) in what was a one-sided contest. Despite not winning the ultimate title, the team, featuring standout talents like blocker Emmanuel Abbey and defender Ebenezer Anyetei, left the tournament with pride and a sense of promise.
The Ghanaian team was supported by Mr. George Tettey, President of the Ghana Volleyball Association, and Mr. Mohammed Aputeog, Executive Board Member. Senior players such as Kelvin Carboo, Phillip Amissah, and Emmanuel Adamitey also joined the squad for the tournament.
