Africa could have three volleyball representatives at this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing, China. With Egypt (men) and Algeria (Women) already guaranteed of participation, Algeria could join the pack in May. According to fresh reports from the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB), Algeria who finished runners-up to Egypt in their African qualifier last month has another opportunity to earn a berth in Beijing when she participates in any of the three Men’s World Olympic Qualification tournaments in late May. Algeria who beat Rwanda (3-0) in the qualifiers of Africa’s lone spot back in February is one of nine men’s teams waiting to know their final destination for the third and final step of the Olympic Qualification process. The Africans, along with Argentina, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Indonesia, Italy, Poland, Puerto Rico and Spain will participate in the drawing of lots at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo this Monday to decide entry to one of the three Men’s World Olympic Qualification tournaments. The Men’s World Olympic Qualification Tournaments will be played in Germany, Japan and Portugal. In addition to the three organizing countries and four Asian teams taking part in Japan (the tournament in Tokyo is also the Asian Olympic Qualifier), the participation of nine teams was ensured as per the World Ranking and the relative continental rule. Egypt secured the African ticket to 2008 Beijing Olympic games following their victory over Algeria in a thriller five set match that lasted over two hours in Durban, South Africa. The Algerian Women’s team secured a Beijing berth after winning their African Qualification Tournament in January.Ends
