Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 12, 2017 – Egypt is the first African team who has won a match in the history of the FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship. The team of coach Maged Mohamed overcame Thailand in a marathon match 4-2 (15-9, 7-15, 15-11, 9-15, 16-14, 15-4) at Stozice Arena on Tuesday night.
All matches in Ljubljana are played under a new scoring system currently being tested: a best-of-seven, 15-point set format.
Egypt’s Aya Elshamy had an all-around game with 17 attacks, four blocks and one ace to lead the Egyptian double-digit scorers. Aya Ahmed added eleven winners. Wipawee Srithong contributed 17 points for the loser side.
The two teams exchanged lead in the first four sets with no side gaining a crucial advantage. The decisive moment of the match came in the end of the fifth set with Egypt showing more determination to conclude in extremis. The Asian side fought hard but could not come back in the sixth and last set.
Egypt coach Maged Mohamed: “This win is even more important for us as we needed to replace our starting-six setter due to injury. We are happy to be back in the competition and I hope we will continue on this level.”
Egypt’s Mariam Ahmed: “Of course we are very happy. We have been waiting so long for this win. Tonight’s victory keeps our hopes alive for a quarterfinal spot.”
Thailand coach Chamnan Dokmai: “Some of my players are very young. We did not start well and missed some discipline. My players did not follow the gameplan.”
Thailand captain Tichaya Boonlert: “We could not stop Aya Elshamy, she played very well. However, now we will be even more motivated for the next matches.”
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