Osaka, Japan, May 11, 2025 – Qatar’s Al-Rayyan Sports Club stormed to a dominant straight-sets victory over Bahrain’s Muharraq Club 25-22, 25-17, 25-18 to claim their first win in Pool D at the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League at Panasonic Arena on Sunday.
Al-Rayyan maintained a strong performance throughout the match. Abdel-Aziz Nimir led the charge with 16 points, including 14 attacks and 2 blocks, while Jacob Link was a bright spot for Muharraq Club, contributing 13 points, 12 of them from attacks, despite the team’s defeat.
“It’s our first game and it’s difficult. We trained as a team only once, and despite the win, we have to improve for the next game,” Nimir said after the match.
Both teams started solidly in the opening set, showcasing high-level volleyball. Brazilian Marcus Vinicius Costa delivered sharp attacks at the net, while Dutch standout Abdel-Aziz Nimir powered Al-Rayyan’s offense with key points. Muharraq’s Jacob Link worked hard to rally his team, but his efforts were ultimately in vain.
After securing a tightly contested first set, Al-Rayyan returned to the court with renewed momentum. Keita Noumory Keita unleashed a flurry of attacks, while Slovenian Tine Urnaut and Serbian setter Milos Stevanovic orchestrated fast-paced plays. Muharraq Club responded with improved defense and powerful hits from Link, but Al-Rayyan’s depth and consistency, highlighted by strong contributions from Abonabot Belal and Diagne Papemachette, proved too much to handle. Errors at key moments further hampered the Bahraini side’s comeback hopes.
In the third set, Keita continued to shine with powerful attacks from the flank, while Al-Rayyan’s court coverage allowed Stevanovic to set up a variety of offensive options. The Qatari team dominated with effective blocking and consistent pressure, while Muharraq, despite a promising start, struggled to maintain their rhythm as the set progressed.
Muharraq Club will next face Vietnam’s Sport Training Center 3 on Monday at 12:35 p.m. local time. Al-Rayyan Sports Club will enjoy a rest day before meeting the same Vietnamese side on Tuesday at 12:35 p.m. in their final Pool D match.
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