Cameroon’s Junior Volleyball Lions Lead All Teams Heading into the U20 African Volleyball Championship Knockouts
The U20 Junior volleyball Lions of Cameroon have emerged as the top-performing team of the group stage at the 2025 Men’s U20 African Volleyball Championship (CHAN), held here in Egypt. With three wins in three matches, the squad, led by coach Robert Samou, has set standards for the tournament and is now gearing up for the elimination rounds.
The Junior Volleyball Lions closed out their impressive group-stage run on Tuesday, September 16, with a perfect nine points, one point more than the host nation, Egypt, who finished first in Group A.
Cameroon’s path to the top of Group B included decisive victories over Kenya (3-1), Rwanda (3-0), and Morocco (3-1).
Despite their perfect record, the team remains focused on improvement. They are aware that conceding two sets in their three matches highlights areas for correction. Team captain Juan Mbira and his teammates are determined to fine-tune their performance ahead of the knockout stage.
Their hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. The 12 players—a mix of experience and rising talent—have earned the praise of the coaching staff and supporters alike. The roster includes:
Joseph Ganna (PAD)
Juan Mbira Abouem (Cameroun Sport)
Anselm Bessong (Litto Team)
Martin Symbere (Garoua Volleyball)
Abdouraman Issa Abakou (Cameroun Sport)
Adoum Idrissa Ali (PAD)
Théodore Dingam (Cameroun Sport)
Prosper Houmsou (Garoua Volleyball)
Nestor Damsou (Cameroun Sport)
Thibault Ngueyap Serna (FAP)
Etoile Amombo Abeng (Club Efoulan)
Kisito Emmanuel Tonye (Club Efoulan)
The team’s focus now shifts to the quarterfinals, which begin on Thursday, September 18. As the top seed from Group B, Cameroon will face Zimbabwe, who finished fourth in Group A. While Zimbabwe may be considered an easier opponent on paper, the Cameroonian staff is taking no chances. Coach Samou has emphasized the need to avoid overconfidence and has put the team through a rigorous training schedule to address any weaknesses from the first round.
According to the team’s official schedule for Wednesday, September 17, preparations are well underway: a morning training session, a meeting at the embassy, and an afternoon gym session. The team’s routine highlights their commitment to staying sharp and ready for the challenges ahead.
The quarterfinal match against Zimbabwe is scheduled for Thursday at 1:00 PM local time (11:00 AM Cameroon time).
Quarterfinal Schedule for Thursday, September 18:
1:00 PM: Cameroon vs. Zimbabwe
3:00 PM: Kenya vs. Algeria
6:00 PM: Egypt vs. Rwanda
8:00 PM: Uganda vs. Morocco
With their perfect record and a clear focus on the ultimate prize, the Junior Lions are ready to continue their campaign and aim for the championship title.
