Bahrain Sweep Indonesia to Top Group A at AVC Nations Cup
TDT | Manama
Hosts stay perfect with a clean 3-0 win as both sides advance to the quarter-finals
Bahrain Seal First Place in Style
Bahrain closed out the group stage of the AVC Men's Volleyball Nations Cup in comfortable fashion, beating Indonesia in straight sets on Thursday night. The 25-13, 27-25, 25-22 win at Isa Bin Rashid Arena in Manama confirmed their place at the top of Group A with a perfect record.
Backed by a home crowd, Bahrain built on their earlier win over Thailand to finish the group stage unbeaten. Indonesia, despite the defeat, also progress as runners-up.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Bahrain took early control with strong serving and disciplined net defence, opening a 9-4 lead in the first set. Indonesia struggled to respond, undone by unforced errors and inconsistent blocking. The hosts capitalized, taking the set 25-13 and setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Opposite spiker Ali Ebrahim continued his standout tournament, tying for top scorer with 14 points—12 from attack and two from the service line. Outside hitter Mohammed Yaqoob matched that total with 13 kills and a block, while captain Naser Anan and middle blocker Mohammed Abdulla added balance at the net.
Indonesia Rally but Fall Short
The second set offered more resistance from Indonesia. Led by Boy Arnez and Dio Zulfikri, they fought back from an early deficit to lead 15-14 and eventually reached set point at 25-24. But Bahrain held firm. Tight defence and a composed finish turned the tide, taking the set 27-25.
In the third, Bahrain again kept their composure. Though Indonesia stayed within reach, the hosts maintained a slim lead throughout and closed out the match 25-22 to complete a 3-0 sweep.
Quarter-Final Bracket Set
With the group stage wrapped, Bahrain will face Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Indonesia meet Group C winners Pakistan, while the other ties see Korea take on Australia and Vietnam face Qatar. All matches take place at the Isa bin Rashid Hall.
Entry remains free throughout the tournament, with growing home support expected as Bahrain continue their campaign on home soil.
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