Bahrain meet champions Tunisia in dead-rubber clash

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

TDT | Manama Bahrain’s senior men’s volleyball team face Tunisia today at 3pm at Princess Sumaya Hall in Amman, in what has become a dead-rubber encounter at the inaugural Arab Challenge Cup, after the North Africans secured the title with a round to spare. All matches of the tournament are being held at the same venue.

The Bahrainis entered the competition in excellent form, arriving in Jordan on the back of a bronze-medal finish at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh in November, a silver medal at the West Asia Championship, a historic AVC Nations Cup gold — the kingdom’s first-ever AVC title — and last year’s Arab Men’s Championship crown. They opened their campaign with a confident 3-0 win over Palestine, raising expectations for a strong run, but momentum shifted as the week unfolded. 

Bahrain lost 1-3 to Egypt on Day 2, then suffered a second straight defeat on Tuesday night, losing 0-3 to Kuwait (19- 25, 20-25, 24-26). That result mathematically ended their title hopes and, crucially, confirmed Tunisia as champions. The Tunisians had won their earlier fixture against Palestine, but only learned they had sealed the trophy once Bahrain’s loss to Kuwait was finalised.

Tunisia have been in ruthless, near-flawless form, and have yet to drop a single set all tournament. They opened with a 3-0 win over Kuwait, repeated the scoreline against Egypt, and swept hosts Jordan on Day 3. Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Palestine brought them to the brink, and Bahrain’s later defeat completed the equation, securing the inaugural crown heading into yesterday’s rest day.

The two sides now meet under contrasting circumstances. Tunisia are aiming to protect their perfect record, while Bahrain seek to rebuild rhythm and restore confidence before their final outing.

The day’s other match will see Egypt take on Kuwait, also at Princess Sumaya Hall. Tomorrow marks the concluding day of the tournament, with Bahrain meeting hosts Jordan at 5pm, while Egypt face Kuwait at 3pm in the final fixtures of the league-format event.

French head coach Arnaud Josserand has carried a 14-man roster for the tournament, featuring Naser Anan, Mohammed Anan, Ali Ebrahim, Mahmood Alafyah, Hassan Al Warqaa, Ayman Harwana, Abbas Al Khabbaz, Hussain Mansoor, Sayed Hashim Issa, Mahmoud Abdulwahed, Mohammed Abdulla, Sayed Mohammed Alabbar, Hani Alawi and Mahmood Abdulhussain.

The Arab Challenge Cup is organised by the Arab Volleyball Association in cooperation with the Jordan Volleyball Federation.