EGYPT picked up a huge win over world No. 13 Iran, 25-17, 16-25, 25-23, 25-20, on Saturday, two days before taking on Alas Pilipinas Men in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
Ahmed Shafik’s 18 points, paired with 17 more from Abdelrahman Elhossiny, led Egypt’s four-set stunner of the Asian giants.
The 23rd-ranked nation defied great odds, scoring its first World Championship win in seven years against Iran, the second highest-seeded Asian team in the competition behind Japan at No. 5
Egypt braces for Alas homecourt advantage
Standing in the way of a breakthrough Round of 16 spot for the Pharaohs is the Philippines on Tuesday.
Egypt head coach Marco Bonitta, Italian compatriot of Alas Men’s Angiolino Frigoni, is expecting a tough contest against both the national team and its loud and proud home crowd.
“It will be a very, very difficult match because Philippines was a little bit nervous in the first and second sets, but they played very well starting in third set,” said Bonitta, referring to the Filipinos’ 13-25, 17-25, 23-25 loss to Tunisia on opening day.
“I’m sure that the level of Philippine team is what they show us in the first set, so it would be very, very tough match after tomorrow.”
A loss for Alas Men would put them on the brink of elimination, with a very slim door to still make it through if it can pull off a major upset against Iran in the following match.
READ: Frigoni pleased to see fans turn up for Alas' FIVB Worlds debut
As far as dealing with the home fans is concerned, the Egyptians are up for the challenge in their first-ever trip to the Philippines.
“I expect a good experience because I love a hall full of people watching. It's a very good experience,” said Egypt ace Abdelrahman Elhossiny.
“It will be tough for sure that we will play the Philippines. We will prepare very, very well because we’re here in Pilipinas with their fans, but we will deal with it,” added Aly Seifeldin Hassan.
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