In a stunning display of skill and unwavering resolve, Qatar`s dynamic duo, Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, clinched the men`s gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Elite tournament on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. This victory marks their third gold of the season and a remarkable fifth overall on the Tour since its inception in 2022, solidifying their status as a formidable force in global beach volleyball.
Cherif & Ahmed during the Rio Elite final, moments before victory.
The Thrilling Finale: Qatar vs. Cuba
The Copacabana sands bore witness to a nail-biting final as Cherif and Ahmed, seeded third, faced off against the seventh-seeded Cuban Olympians, Noslen Diaz and Jorge Alayo. The match was a true test of endurance and nerve, pushing both teams to their limits.
The Qatari pair demonstrated early dominance, taking the first set with a comfortable 21-14 margin, capped by Cherif`s elegant touch that seemed to float over the net. However, the Cubans, known for their resilience, regrouped admirably in the second set. From a tight 13-13, Diaz and Alayo seized control, leveling the match at 17-21 with a powerful hit from Alayo.
The deciding tie-breaker was nothing short of cinematic. Points were exchanged with furious intensity, neither team managing to establish more than a two-point lead. In the “money time” – that critical phase where champions are made – the Cubans heroically fended off four Qatari match points. But Cherif and Ahmed, with their characteristic calm under pressure, refused to be denied. On their fifth match point, Ahmed delivered the decisive blow, securing the gold with an 18-16 victory in the final set (21-14, 17-21, 18-16 overall).
Individual Brilliance on Display
Cherif Younousse was the undeniable offensive leader, topping the match scorers` chart with an impressive 29 points, including four critical kill blocks and an ace. Ahmed Tijan contributed significantly with 19 points and an ace of his own. For Cuba, Alayo spearheaded their attack with 23 spike kills and three kill blocks, while Diaz added 17 points, highlighted by three aces.
The Road to the Podium
Before their epic final, Cherif and Ahmed navigated a challenging path. In the semifinals, they swept past Latvia`s Martins Plavins and Kristians Fokerots with a clean 2-0 (21-19, 21-17) victory. Cherif once again led the charge with 19 points, supported by Ahmed`s 15. The Latvians, despite their strong showing, later found themselves in another tight battle for bronze.
The other semifinal saw the Cuban pair, Alayo and Diaz, upset the second-seeded Dutch team of Stefan Boermans and Yorick de Groot in a thrilling three-set encounter (15-21, 21-18, 19-17). Boermans was particularly formidable for the Netherlands, scoring 27 points with six blocks and three aces.
The 2025 Rio de Janeiro Elite men`s podium: Qatar (Gold), Cuba (Silver), Netherlands (Bronze).
Bronze for Consistent Dutch Performers
The bronze medal match featured a comeback story of its own. Boermans and De Groot, perhaps a little miffed after their semifinal upset, faced the Latvians Plavins and Fokerots. After dropping the first set (17-21), the Dutch team rallied, securing the next two sets (21-17, 15-11) to claim their fourth consecutive Elite-level bronze. One might say they’ve mastered the art of consistently finding the third step of the podium – a testament to their skill, if not their final-clinching luck. Boermans was once again stellar, contributing a match-high 33 points, including four aces and four blocks, while De Groot added 11 points.
Champions Reflect on the Rio Magic
“For me, this place has always been a great place to remember, because this is where I played my first Olympics and it was amazing here in Copacabana. The fans make us feel at home here,” Cherif told VBTV after the final. “It was a great fight against Cuba tonight, but in the end, it was beach volleyball that won.”
Cherif`s words perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event, celebrating the sport itself. His partner, Ahmed Tijan, shared an equally heartwarming sentiment, highlighting the personal sacrifices behind their triumphs:
“This is unbelievable! I don’t know how we did it, but we had a great performance,” Ahmed added. “Being far away from the family is not easy, but I would like to thank my family back home for being patient. I have a new-born baby waiting for me back at home and I am so happy that I can bring the gold medal to her.”
This dedication not only humanizes their incredible athletic achievements but also paints a picture of the personal drive that fuels their relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Legacy in the Making
Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan continue to write an impressive chapter in the history of Qatari sports and international beach volleyball. Their ability to consistently perform at the highest level, secure multiple gold medals within a single season, and overcome formidable opponents demonstrates not just their individual talent but also their profound synergy as a team. As the Beach Pro Tour continues, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on this Qatari powerhouse, who seem to have found their winning rhythm on the global sands.
