Osaka, Japan, May 11, 2025 – Foolad Sirjan Iranian struggled to beat Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC in dramatic five-setter 25-17, 22-25, 25-17, 19-25, 15-11 for first victory in Pool C in the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League at Panasonic Arena here on Sunday.
Esfandiar Amirhossein scored a match-high 25 points including 21 kills, one block and 3 aces for Foolad Sirjan Iranian, while Hijipour Moghadam Faroji Ali added another 24 points for the team. Tamiraa Khangal led Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC with 21 points from 19 attacks, one block and one ace.
Though scoring only 10 points including 6 points for Foolad Sirjan Iranian, Earvin Ngapeth became the center of attention as he steered France to consecutive two-time Summer Olympic gold medal as well as MVP and Best Outside Spiker awards for both occasions.
“It was the first game of the competition, so, very important to win. It was not easy due to the timing. Playing at 10am is not easy for us, but although we won in five sets, it’s still important. Our next match remains the same as we have to play at 10am again. However, we have to win,” Ngapeth said after the match.
Foolad Sirjan Iranian showcased their depth and resilience in the opening set, with Ngapeth and Cuban Concepción Rojas Javier Octavio delivering an all-around masterclass. The highly skilled Ngapeth displayed his vast experience, overwhelming Nakhon Ratchasima with powerful spikes and delicate dropshots that repeatedly left the Thai side flat-footed.
The prolific Concepción further bolstered the Iranian side with solid blocks and swift attacks, making the team look nearly uncatchable. Nakhon Ratchasima tried to fight back with intensity, as left-hander Amorntep Khonhan launched attacks from both the flank and backline, but the Iranian defense remained impenetrable.
In a gritty second set, Nakhon Ratchasima improved significantly, especially in floor coverage. Anurak Phanram was brought in to reinforce the team. The Thais read the Iranian plays smartly, dug deep, and blocked relentlessly, eventually breaking through with precise spikes. Foolad Sirjan struggled to contain Khangal’s powerful attacks and the superb blocking of Azizbek Kuchkorov from Uzbekistan and Indonesian Doni Haryono, leading to their failure to close the gap against the surging Thais.
However, Foolad Sirjan mounted a successful comeback in the third set, led by Esfandiar, Hajipour, and Concepción. Esfandiar unleashed a series of explosive spikes and effective blocks to disrupt the Thai defense. Though Khangal and Doni continued to lead Nakhon Ratchasima’s offense with strong performances, they ultimately found the Iranians too formidable to overcome.
Nakhon Ratchasima delivered a well-structured performance in the fourth set against the two-time Asian Club champions, dominating their tough opponents with sharp receptions and solid blocks. Lightning-fast attacks from Kissada Nilsawai and Azizbek, combined with powerful spikes from Khangal and Doni, proved to be key assets for the Thai side. Foolad Sirjan attempted to recover from a shaky start, with Hajipour and Esfandiar launching aggressive attacks from both flanks, but Nakhon Ratchasima maintained their momentum, leaving the Iranians unable to match their relentless fighting spirit.
The decider saw both teams battling fiercely, but Foolad Sirjan surged ahead. Despite Nakhon Ratchasima’s determined efforts to close the gap, their comeback attempt ultimately fell short.
Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C VC will next face Chinese Taipei’s Taichung Bank on Monday at 10:05 a.m. local time, while Foolad Sirjan will wrap up their pool play campaign against the same opponent on Tuesday at 10:05 a.m.
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