We’re not going to lie, we don’t much about these teams.

Algeria Women’s Team

They might not be the world’s top teams yet in London but we give these teams a lot of credit for striving to become better & stronger. The African continent is truly proud of these volleyball athletes from Tunisia and Algeria.

The following players will represent Algeria at the 2012 Olympics:

Sehryne Hennaqui, Dallal Merwa Achour, Salima Hammouche
Amel Khamtache, Zohra Bensalem, Sarra Belhocine
Mouni Abderrahim, Safia Boukhima, Nawal Mansouri
Lydia Oulmou, Tassadit Aissou, Celia Bourihane

The key players who are noticeably absent are team captain Fatma Zohra Oukazi who is injured and Faiza Tsabet who retired from the National Team.

“The Olympic Games are the dream of any sportsman and sportswoman and I am lucky enough to celebrate my second Olympic appearance in London. We hope to be able to perform well even though our team is significantly sidelined by the absence of some players that are regularly included in the starting six. I also have to express my gratitude to the public authorities for the support they have showed as we were getting ready for this unique adventure.” says Safia Boukhima in an interview released by the FIVB.

Algeria is in Pool A with Russia, Italia, Japan, Dominican Rep and Great Britain

Tunisia Men’s Team

Will they survive the “Pool of Death”?

We don’t think they will but again anything can happen. Tunisia is grouped together with gold medal favourites likes Brazil, Russia and USA plus dark horses Serbia & Germany. Only 4 teams from every pool advance to the Quarterfinals.

The following players will represent Tunisia at the 2012 Olympics:

Hitters: Noureddine Hfaiedh, Ismail Moalla, Marouane M’rabet, Elyes Karamosly, Hamza Nagga, Hichem Kaabi, Hakim Zouari
Middle Blockers: Ahmed Kadhi, Bilel Ben Hassine
Setters: Mohamed Ben Slimane, Mehdi Ben Cheikh
Libero: Anouer Taouerghi

Good luck to these teams!

(images: FIVB)