Latest news with #AliEbrahim
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
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. Match Statistics
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Beat Thailand to Launch Nations Cup Bid
Hosts make strong start with 3-1 win in Riffa opener, Indonesia Next Winning Start in Riffa Bahrain's men's national volleyball team opened their 2025 AVC Men's Volleyball Nations Cup campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win over Thailand last night at Isa Bin Rashid Arena in Riffa. Backed by a vocal home crowd, the hosts now take early control of Group A. Set scores: 25-21 Bahrain 21-25 Thailand 25-19 Bahrain 25-22 Bahrain Key Performers Step Up Ali Ebrahim led the scoring for Bahrain with composed attacking displays and strong serves, while Anan and Mohammed Yaqoob added vital experience and consistency in key phases. Mahmood Alafyah and Ayman Harwana also made significant contributions, both in defence and transition, helping Bahrain regain momentum after dropping the second set. The result gives Bahrain a major boost heading into their next group fixture against Indonesia, who they face at 7pm tomorrow night. Home Crowd Makes a Difference With fans filling the stands and generating a lively atmosphere, Bahrain's players fed off the energy throughout the match. The support mirrored scenes from last year's Arab Championship and proved crucial during tight moments, particularly in the fourth set. Quarter-Final Path Takes Shape The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds. Victory over Thailand, a former Nations Cup champion, puts Bahrain in a strong position to qualify—especially with only Indonesia left to face in pool play. The eventual tournament winner will also earn a place in the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship, the next step on the road to the 2028 Olympics. This year's AVC Nations Cup champion will qualify directly for the 2026 Asian Championship—a vital step toward Olympic qualification.
