With pressure at its highest, Tunisia played their best and eliminated reigning African champions Egypt to book their ticket to the Round of 16 of the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving at the Mall of Asia Arena.
For the second straight game on Thursday, Sept. 18, a shocking upset unfolded in Pasay City as Tunisia delivered a 25-19, 25-18, 25-22 stunner against world no. 22 Egypt to secure a spot in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025.
Earlier, Serbia defied the odds to deliver a monumental straight-set dismissal over world no. 4 Brazil to move on into the next round.
[ALSO READ: Serbia drops upset axe on world no. 2 Brazil to advance to FIVB Worlds Round of 16]
Facing a do-or-die situation, Tunisia — ranked no. 40 — rode a game-sealing 6-1 closing run in the third set to become the first team in Pool E to advance, eliminating the Egyptians in the process.
It also marked the second straight time Tunisia reached the knockout phase.
In 2022, the team also advanced before losing to eventual runner-up Poland, ranked No. 2 in the world.
The drama doesn’t stop there as later at 5:30 p.m., either host Philippines or Iran will join Tunisia in progressing from Pool A.
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.