Tunisia setter Khalid Ben Slimane praised Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo during their clash against Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship opener.
Tunisia may have walked away with the opening day sweep, but setter Khalid Ben Slimane left the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night with newfound respect for Alas Pilipinas' superstar spikers.
Ben Slimane, who steered the 11-time African champions to a 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 triumph in their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship opener, singled out Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo as the toughest challenges they faced during the match.
“There are two players, No. 15 and No. 1. They are really good, especially in attack or serve. They made the third set very hard,” said Ben Slimane, referring to Espejo and Bagunas, who combined for 32 points in the spirited stand.
Khalid Ben Slimane had 30 excellent sets in Tunisia's sweep of Alas Pilipinas. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Bagunas erupted for a game-high 23 points in his first official match back from injury, while Espejo added nine markers to fuel a late rally that nearly extended the contest to a fourth set.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas relishes return in Alas Pilipinas’ FIVB Worlds debut vs Tunisia]
Feeling the love
Beyond the battle on the court, Ben Slimane also praised the Philippines for its warm hospitality since their arrival in the country on September 5.
“It’s amazing to be here in the Philippines, in front of these people. They are very nice to us, even in the hotel, even in the city. It’s really a good atmosphere to be here,” he said. “They are building a really good team. It’s the first time we played against the Philippines. They have the future in front of them.”
Bright future ahead
While Tunisia drew first blood in Pool A, Ben Slimane believes the debuting hosts showed flashes of what’s to come for Philippine men’s volleyball.
Alas Pilipinas battles Tunisia in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
“They are building a really good team. It’s the first time we played against the Philippines. They have the future in front of them, so I hope in the future they will do a better job,” he said.
The world No. 43 Tunisians will go for back-to-back wins against Iran on Tuesday, September 16, still at the MOA Arena.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.