Goalball was in full force in Africa with the 2017 IBSA​ Goalball African Championships kicking off in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Teams from across the region are competing for the rights to call themsleves African champion and qualification for the 2018 IBSA World Goalball Championships. 

Egyptian and Kenyan men and women started the tournament off in front of an enthusastic crowd. In the men's match, Egypt defeated Kenya 11-1. Not to be outdone by their men's team counterparts, the Egyptian also bested their Kenyan opponents by a 11-1 margin. 

Next up was a very new Rwandan men's team taking on the current men's African champions from Algeria. The Rwandans played well and showed a lot of skill for a young team. However, in the end the more experienced Algerian team would prevail by winning the match by a 12-2 margin.

In the next session, Rwanda returned to the court to pla Kenya.  This time, Rwanda's high energy play got them to a better outcome as they defeated Kenya 12-2. 

After the opening ceremonies, Egyptian dignitaries who were in attendance were treated to a match where the Egyptian men played Morocco. Those in attendance witnessed a great exhibition of goalball skill from both teams. Throughout the first half the game was tight–it could have been anyone's win. But, in the end, the Egyptian team, fueled by their home crowd were able to muscle some goals against some strong Moroccan defense, treating the home crowd to a 9-4 win.

The tournament will pick up again tomorrow and will run through 23 October.  Check back tomorrow for updates.