Egypt Dominate Bahrain in Opening Friendly
Mixed Signals in Cairo
Bahrain's men's volleyball team opened their training camp in Egypt with a 4–0 defeat to the hosts in a friendly match at the Dr Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo. The straight-sets loss (25–23, 25–20, 25–18, 25–23) was a challenging start to the side's preparations for the upcoming Asian Men's Volleyball Championship.
Though Egypt took control of most sets, Bahrain showed signs of resistance, particularly in the tightly contested first and fourth. Ultimately, the home side's match fitness and home advantage gave them the edge.
Setbacks Serve a Purpose
The match was the first in a series of tune-ups during Bahrain's training camp, which runs through 12 June. The trip forms a key part of the team's lead-up to the continental tournament, set to be hosted in Bahrain from 17 to 24 June.
For Bahrain's coaching staff, this early test provides a reference point. Serve reception, defensive transitions, and match tempo are areas likely to receive focus in the days ahead.
Egypt's Edge
With their domestic season recently concluded, Egypt looked more polished across key phases. Their consistency and physical presence were evident, especially in the middle sets where they pulled away with minimal resistance.
Still, Bahrain's competitiveness in the tighter sets showed the potential for progress. A handful of errors late in the opening and closing sets proved decisive.
Focus on Asian Cup
More friendlies are expected in the coming days, offering Bahrain a chance to recalibrate. These matches will help fine-tune combinations and build cohesion before the squad returns home for the final phase of preparations.
While the result in Cairo wasn't ideal, it came with timing that allows for correction. With the Asian Championship on home soil just weeks away, Bahrain now has a clearer sense of the standard required, and time to meet it.
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