Bahrain Soars into AVC Nations Cup Semi-Finals with Commanding Win over Chinese Taipei

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain booked their place in the AVC Men’s Nations Cup 2025 semi-finals with a second consecutive straight-sets win, this time seeing off Chinese Taipei 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 35-33) on Saturday at Isa bin Rashid Hall.

After brushing aside Indonesia 3-0 on Thursday, the Red Jets showed further backbone in front of a home crowd, particularly in an intense third set, underlining their credentials as serious contenders for the title.

A packed and vocal local crowd played its part throughout the evening, spurring Bahrain on during key stretches of play, especially when momentum hung in the balance during the extended final set.

Tested Late, Bahrain Hold Firm

Bahrain made a composed start, taking the first set 25-18 behind a strong service game that disrupted Chinese Taipei’s rhythm. The second saw a tighter contest, but the Red Jets held their nerve in the closing stages to edge it 25-22.

The third set was the longest of the tournament so far and featured Chinese Taipei’s most sustained challenge. Outside hitter Yusheng Chang was particularly dangerous from both front and back court, finishing with a match-high 20 points (18 from attack, 1 ace, 1 block). But Bahrain’s block defence, combined with sharp positional awareness, proved just enough to shut the door in a tense 35-33 finish.

Setter Mahmood Al Aafiya orchestrated a balanced attack, activating hitters across both zones. Ali Ibrahim led the way, ably supported by outside hitters Mohammed Yaqoob and Nasser Anan. Libero Ayman Harounah anchored the defence, while middle blockers Mohammed Jassim and Ali Al Wargaa helped switch play into fast-tempo sequences that kept the visitors off balance.

Semi-Final Field Now Set

Saturday’s results confirmed all four semi-finalists. South Korea, who beat Australia 3-1 earlier in the day, will meet Bahrain on Monday in what promises to be a close semi-final. They are a familiar foe for Bahrain as they memorably beat them in 2023's edition in Taipei. "Korea will be a difficult match because of their high intensity, but inshAllah, we will win", said Ali Ebrahim. The Koreans won 25-23, 25-18, dropped the third 22-25, and edged the fourth 25-23. Australia’s William D’Arcy led all scorers with 29 points.

Elsewhere, Pakistan beat Indonesia 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-20, 25-17) to reach the last four. Rivan led Indonesia with 22 points. They’ll now face Qatar, who came through a dramatic five-setter against Vietnam (29-31, 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 15-12), with N.V.Q. Duy registering 24 points.

That semi-final will be a repeat of last year’s title match.

Coaching Under the Microscope

Despite back-to-back wins, there are questions being raised around Bahrain’s rotation policy. Head coach decisions, particularly the continued reliance on a core trio of starters, have drawn scrutiny. Mohammed Yaqoob, who appeared below his usual level on Saturday, remained on court despite visible fatigue and a dip in performance across multiple skills: serve, reception, defence, and attack.

Some observers believe that the lack of squad rotation could become a liability in the latter stages, especially against higher-calibre opposition like South Korea. Confidence in the bench appears limited, and with a compact schedule, effective substitutions may prove crucial to sustaining Bahrain’s title hopes.

Bahrain Rising at the Right Time

With two comfortable wins and a full house behind them, the Red Jets remain undefeated and full of belief. Their ability to adapt tactically and weather high-pressure scenarios, as seen in Saturday’s third set, suggests they’re more than just home favourites.

But against South Korea, they’ll face a team with both pedigree and power. Monday’s semi-final will reveal whether Bahrain have enough not just to compete, but to go all the way.