VOLLEYBALL – AL Ahli lived to fight another day last night as they sent their best-of-three championship series against Muharraq in the 2024-25 Isa bin Rashid Bahrain Volleyball League to a decisive third and final game.
Ahli were not to be denied yesterday as they came away with a hard-earned 3-1 (20-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17) victory over their rivals in game two of the finals, played at a packed and rocking Isa bin Rashid Volleyball Arena, located at Isa Sports City in Riffa.
Having convincingly taken game one in three sets earlier last week, Muharraq initially appeared to be carrying the momentum over to last night’s clash, which would secure them the coveted crown. But Ahli had other plans and showed their toughness over the next three frames, putting Muharraq on the back foot en route to sealing the all-important win.
The result sent the exciting title fight to a winner-take-all game three, which is scheduled to be played tomorrow, giving neither team no time to rest. The decisive clash is scheduled for a 7pm start at the same venue.
In last night’s game, Ahli were first to double digits in the opening set, but three straight points supplied by Sayed Hashem Issa, Naser Anan, and Swedish professional Jacob Link put Muharraq 12-10 ahead. They maintained their strong play until the end to take the 1-0 lead.
Ahli were then the aggressors to begin the second set, and although Muharraq rallied to keep within striking distance throughout the frame, Ahli were resilient and they levelled the match with a Mohammed Anan smash.
It was a see-saw battle in set three, during which Muharraq had control early until Ahli took a 17-16 edge on a Hasan Haider attack. A stunning service ace delivered by French import Joachim Panou then made it 23-20 for Ahli, after which points from Hani Alawi and Sayed Mohammed Al Abbar gave them the crucial 2-1 advantage.
Ahli then delivered the knockout punch in the fourth set. After Muharraq tied it at 9-all, the victors strung together the next seven points for a 16-9 cushion, and they never looked back. A double block by Haider and Panou on an attack by Link sealed the victory and extended the finals to a decisive rubber match.
Also playing key roles for Ahli last night were Ali Ebrahim, Hussain Mansoor, Ayman Harwana, and Mahmood Abdulhussain.
For Muharraq, Mahmood Al Afayah, Abbas Al Khabbaz, and Mohammed Omar, all contributed in the losing effort.
Aside from the Isa bin Rashid Bahrain Volleyball League title, this season’s national champions will earn the right to represent the kingdom in the AVC Men’s Champions League, which will be played May 11 to 18 in Japan. The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) competition will feature 12 champion teams from across the continent.
The Bahraini champions will play in Pool D for the tournament’s opening phase, alongside Al Rayyan of Qatar and Sport Training Centre Three of Vietnam.
The AVC Men’s Champions League offers a cool $50,000 in prize money, along with two berths in the 2025 FIVB Club World Championship this December.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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