Sierra Leone’s duo, Musa Kamara and Alie Jalloh, made headlines today as they defeated the host nation’s favorites in the FIVB Under 19 Beach Volleyball Championships in Shangluo, China.
The match, held at 1:30 pm China time, saw the Sierra Leonean pair secure a 2-0 victory (21-12, 21-19), marking their first win of the tournament.
Kamara and Jalloh, who are also African Under 19 Gold Medalists, embarked on their journey from Sierra Leone last weekend via Conakry, with a lengthy 15-hour layover in Dubai before arriving in China.
Ranked 18th among 48 nations, Sierra Leone was placed in Pool A alongside the Netherlands, Germany, and China.
Their tournament debut on Day 1 against the Netherlands on Court 2 ended in a tough 0-2 loss (21-13, 21-09). The team attributed the defeat to travel fatigue, as Captain Musa Kamara experienced cramps and required medical attention.
On Day 2, Sierra Leone faced a crucial match on Centre Court against China, who had narrowly defeated Germany in their opener (21-11, 18-21, 16-14).
A rejuvenated Kamara, now fully recovered, led his team to a decisive 2-0 victory over the Chinese (21-12, 21-19), earning three valuable points and keeping their hopes alive for progression to the second round.
With a crucial game against Germany looming, the Sierra Leonean team, guided by Coach Ibrahim John Kamara (Coach Dida) who also leads “Operation Podium Finish” for Dakar 2026, aims to secure their place in the Round of 16.
The match against Germany, which kicks off at 9 pm China time (GMT +8) on Court 2, is a must-win for Sierra Leone, as the pool remains wide open with the Dutch already securing five points.
Supporters can watch the match live via the link: [Watch Here](https://www.youtube.com/live/1A-CZNwfUYQ?si=zUHNQkY6-40VOKWj).
Credit: Sierra Leone Volleyball Association (SLVA).
