14/12/2025
**Team Salone Storm into the Final After Dominant Semi-Final Victory Over Niger**
Luanda, Angola — Sierra Leone’s Male Beach Volleyball Team has secured a **historic place in the final of the 4th African Youth Games** following a commanding **2–0 semi-final victory over Niger (21:17, 21:11)**, confirming **at least a silver medal** for Team Salone at the continental multi-sport event.
Building on the momentum outlined in the team’s earlier Games campaign , the Sierra Leonean duo delivered another composed and authoritative performance on the sand in Luanda. From the opening serve, Team Salone controlled the tempo, neutralised Niger’s attacking options, and asserted their physical and tactical superiority.
The first set saw a brief period of parity, but Sierra Leone pulled clear through disciplined side-out play and relentless pressure at the net, closing the set **21:17**. The second set was emphatic. With confidence flowing and communication crisp, Team Salone surged ahead early and never relented, sealing the match **21:11** to the delight of supporters and officials alike.
This victory confirms **Sierra Leone’s first-ever medal at a continental multi-sport event in beach volleyball**, a landmark achievement made more remarkable given that the team remains the **only team sport representing the nation** at the Games.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach **John Sorie Kamara** praised the maturity of the performance:
> *“The boys executed the plan with discipline and belief. At this stage of competition, composure matters, and they showed it in abundance. We are proud, but we are not done yet.”*
The President of the National Federation, **Ahmed Khanou**, described the result as a validation of long-term planning:
> *“This is exactly what we envisioned under Operation Podium Finish: Dakar 2026. From regional podiums to continental finals, this team is proving that Sierra Leone can compete with Africa’s best.”*
The President of the **National Olympic Committee of Sierra Leone** hailed the moment as a defining chapter for Team Salone:
> *“This medal is the product of sacrifice, courage, and national pride. In the face of limited resources, these young athletes have lifted the flag high for Sierra Leone.”*
With a guaranteed place on the podium and the final ahead, Team Salone now stands on the threshold of an even greater achievement—**challenging for gold and writing one of the most successful chapters in Sierra Leone’s multi-sport history**.
**ENDS**
