The two teams had met during the group stage of the tournament where the Egyptian side recorded a 3-0 victory, although the clash had taken place with both teams assured of qualification to the knock-out phase.

Having won all of their ties so far, Egypt began the match as the favourites to claim the sole Olympic berth and they lived up to their billing, claiming the opening set 25-19.

Egypt, winners of the African Championships in front their home fans in Cairo last year, did not see their lead last long as their opponents immediately hit back by winning the second 25-20.

The momentum of the match continued to swing as the Egyptians claimed the third set, but with their Rio 2016 hopes hanging by a thread, Tunisia found response and forced the match into a decider.

Tunisia, Africa’s sole representatives at the London 2012 tournament, ultimately had their hopes dashed as the Egyptian team were able to hold their nerve in the closing stages to secure a 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 19-25, 16-14 victory.

Having booked their place at Rio 2016, Egypt will now set their sights on claiming a first victory in an Olympic tournament at their fourth appearance.

They join the Argentina, Russia and Cuba as regional qualifiers, while the United States and Italy also earned the right to compete alongside the host nation Brazil, due to their performances at the 2015 World Cup.

Tunisia, meanwhile, will have to regroup and hope to claim secure a place at the World Olympic Qualification Tournament, due to be held Tokyo in May. 

They will be joined in the Japanese capital by Algeria, after they defeated Cameroon in the third place playoff.

Similarly to the final, the two teams were evenly matched throughout the tie, with Algeria eventually earning a thrilling 21-25, 26-24, 25-13, 18-25, 15-13 win.

Both Algeria and Tunisia will take part in the intercontinental event in Tokyo, where they will meet Chile and Mexico to decide a sole berth.