Outside hitters Said and Elhossiny spearhead the victory, shining in attack
Egypt’s Ahmed Shafik Said on the serve against Iran at Men’s Volleyball World Championship
Egypt delivered a shocking upset of Iran in their opening game at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines. In a Pool A fixture in Pasay City on Sunday, the Africans managed to overcome their mighty Asian opponents in four sets.
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Egypt, the number 23 team in the FIVB World Ranking, achieved a 3-1 (25-17, 16-25, 25-23, 25-20) victory over Iran, number 13 in the world. With that result, as many as 13.81 ranking point switched hands from one team to the other, so Egypt jumped up to number 10, while Iran fell to number 16.
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The African team greatly outperformed their rivals in attack by 52-45 in spike kills, and in serving by 8-4 in aces. Egypt’s outside hitters Ahmed Shafik Said and Abdelrahman Elhossiny led the way with 18 and 17 points, respectively, including one ace and one kill block each. Said registered a 62% success rate in attack. Elhossiny was even more efficient with 65%. Opposite Seif Abed contributed another 12 points for the winners.
“The key was that everybody on the team – from the youngest player to the oldest, as well as the coaches – did their best for preparing the game very well. We knew exactly how to play against Iran, to counter their strongest points and play on their weakest points. Everyone did very well and I think this was the key,” Elhossiny told VBTV. “It was a very good game for us and I hope we continue on this level.”
Iran outblocked Egypt by 10-7 in stuffs and made slightly fewer unforced errors than the opponents, 24-26. Their opposite Ali Hajipour led the team with 17 points, including three kill blocks and an ace. 21-year-old outside hitter Poriya Khanzadeh put away three aces and two kill blocks to finish with 12 points.
Pool A action started with the World Championship opening game on Friday, when Tunisia defeated hosts Philippines in straight sets. Next in the pool, Iran will take on Tunisia and the Philippines will face Egypt on Tuesday, September 16.
2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship: full schedule and results
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