Kyoto, Japan, May 17, 2025 – Abdel-Aziz Nimir delivered a sensational match-high 40 points to lead Al-Rayyan Sports Club of Qatar to a dramatic 3-2 comeback (22-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 17-15) victory over Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds Osaka in the semi-finals of the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League at Shimadzu Arena on Saturday.
The electrifying win sent Al-Rayyan into the championship final and secured their place in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship. Meanwhile, the Sunbirds’ hopes were dashed, disappointing their home fans after a valiant effort.
“Suntory Sunbirds are a very strong team and not easy to play against,” said Al-Rayyan head coach Luis Cunha Serjio at the post-match press conference. “Anyone who watched this match could see both sides play at a very high level. I congratulate my players for their outstanding performance and also commend Suntory for their impressive play.”
Nimir, who previously competed in Japan’s V.League with Wolfdogs Nagoya, was unstoppable, tallying 31 kills, 5 aces, and 4 blocks. On the opposing side, Russian outside hitter Dmitriy Muserskiy recorded 30 points with 25 kills, 2 blocks, and 3 aces, while Japanese star Ran Takahashi added 20 points, including 19 successful attacks.
“It was a tough and great match. I’m very happy we won,” said the 33-year-old Nimir in a brief comment after the match.
The Sunbirds energized the home crowd early, taking the opening set 25-22. Muserskiy led the charge, combining power and precision to exploit gaps in Al-Rayyan’s defense, while Kotaro Kai’s ace sealed the set.
Al-Rayyan responded strongly in the second set, with Nimir and Noumory Keita spearheading a 5-0 run and maintaining control throughout. Despite tactical adjustments from the Sunbirds, including Takahashi’s smart drop shots, Al-Rayyan’s sharp attacks and solid blocking allowed them to edge out the set 25-22.
In the third set, Nimir showcased his athleticism with explosive attacks and timely blocks, pushing Al-Rayyan to an 18-14 lead. However, a string of service errors and a late surge by the Sunbirds, capped by Muserskiy’s powerful spikes, turned the tide. Nimir’s wide spike at 23-24 handed the set to the Sunbirds, and a contentious referee decision led to a yellow card for Al-Rayyan following a protest.
Al-Rayyan regrouped in the fourth set. Both teams traded points in a tightly contested battle. Nimir again rose to the occasion, delivering key attacks at critical moments. Despite late resistance from Muserskiy, Al-Rayyan held on to claim the set 25-23, forcing a tie-break.
The deciding set was a thrilling back-and-forth affair. Al-Rayyan appeared to gain the upper hand with a 14-12 lead, only for the Sunbirds to level at 14-14. After Nimir’s serve error tied it at 15-all, the Qatari side regrouped once more. A decisive triple block followed by a final offensive push from Nimir sealed the victory at 17-15.
With this hard-fought triumph, Al-Rayyan advanced to Sunday’s final, where they will face the winners of the second semifinal clash between Iran’s Foolad Sirjan Iranian and Osaka Bluteon. They also earned a coveted spot in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship.
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