After opening its campaign against Tunisia, Alas Pilipinas now faces an even steeper challenge with Egypt, widely regarded as the second-strongest team in Pool A, waiting in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship — an event the Philippines will host next month.
The Nationals debut against Tunisia on September 12 at 6:00 PM before enjoying a two-day break. They then return to action against Egypt on September 16 at 5:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Egypt, Africa’s lone representative at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the reigning continental champion, boasts a seasoned trio: 6-foot-8 setter Hossam Abdalla, 6-foot-3 outside hitter Mohamed Asran, and 6-foot-8 middle blocker Abdelrahman Seoudy.
This core powered the Pharaohs to their ninth African championship title, a victory that also secured their slot in the World Championship.
Since then, the Egyptians have only sharpened their game, recently clinching a bronze medal in the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup.
Egypt opens its Worlds campaign against Iran on September 14. Tickets for the tournament are available via the official website: www.philippineswch2025.com.
Other key players to watch include opposite hitter Reda Haikal and outside hitter Ahmed Azab, who were instrumental in Egypt’s Challenger Cup run.
The Pharaohs are now eyeing a deeper breakthrough in the World Championship — organized locally by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation under president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also heads the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
Egypt finished 19th in the 2022 World Championship co-hosted by Poland and Slovenia before improving to 12th in the Paris Olympics.
Leading the charge is 61-year-old Italian coach Marco Bonitta, a decorated tactician best known for steering Italy to the gold medal at the 2002 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Germany.
