Feughouo, Cameroon dance after claiming African derby with Tunisia

Bari, Italy, September 12, 2018 - The FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship got started at PalaFlorio in Bari with a fascinating dance performed by the men around coach Blaise Mayam as Cameroon celebrated a 3-0 victory (25-20, 28-26, 25-21) over Tunisia in the Pool C opener. The clash offered exciting rallies but Cameroon clearly dominated all three sets boosted by their impressive opposite David Feughouo who emerged as best scorer of the mach with 21 points.

Tunisia started out their campaign with an early lead but the story of the match changed very soon, with Cameroon displaying a stunning combination of fighting spirit and athleticism. Team captain Nathan Wounembaina scored 14 points in the end, as Cameroon recorded 11 blocks and five aces.

Tunisia tried to respond with their opposite hitter Hamza Nagga who scored 21 points - as many as his counterpart Feughouo - but did not manage to be as consistent as Cameroon. Despite a brilliant start, the team around head coach Antonio Giacobbe could not find a response to the blocks and physical power of the Cameroonian players.

As a result, the inaugural match of Pool C at PalaFlorio in Bari ended in a 3-0 victory for the Lions from Cameroon.

Middle blocker Ahmed Kadhi set the pace for Tunisia in the early stages of the match with a 5-0 lead forcing Cameroon coach Blaise Mayam Re Niof to call a first timeout. Captain Wounembaina broke the ice for Cameroon; after edging ahead at 16-15, thanks to an impressive performance by Feughouo, Cameroon closed the opening set 25-20.

The second set lived up to the expectations of the crowd with a head-to-head battle unfolding on the court with Cameroon using their 213 cm tall opposite Yvan Kody, the first ever volleyball player from the African country to play in the Italian national league. The exciting game delivered by both teams provided much fun to the crowd in attendance. A dramatic battle ended at 28-26 for Cameroon as Nagga spiked into the net.

The last set saw Tunisia regain more quality and efficiency in their game but a crucial video challenge call from Cameroon on a Tunisian block action cancelled their advantage and Cameroon fought back to secure a 3-0 victory in this much anticipated African derby.

Source: fivb.org