Arab Club Run at Risk for Muharraq

Bahrain champions Muharraq suffered their second defeat in the preliminary round of the 44th Arab Club Men’s Volleyball Championship yesterday, falling 3-1 (25-20, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23) to hosts Etoile Sportive du Sahel in Group B action in Tunisia. The third-round match, held at the Salle de la Cite Sportive in Le Kram, leaves Muharraq with a record of one win and two losses from their three matches so far.

Despite the setback, Muharraq delivered one of their strongest performances of the tournament. Fielding a near-perfect lineup, they challenged the tournament favorites and kept them under pressure throughout. Etoile, who had previously beaten Al Shorta SC of Qatar 3-1, were pushed more than expected. Muharraq claimed 31 points on serve and recorded a four-point scoring streak, keeping the contest highly competitive, while Etoile tallied 33 points on serve and had a five-point streak of their own.

Etoile drew first blood in the opening two sets, building early leads and maintaining steady pressure to take them 25-20 and 25-22. Muharraq regrouped in the third, with national team talents Mohammed Abdulla and Mohammed Omar delivering key points to secure the set 25-18. The fourth set remained tightly contested, but Etoile produced a decisive late run to take it 25-23 and seal the match.

The defeat leaves Muharraq with four points in the Group B standings, keeping their hopes alive but highlighting the need for a strong response. Coached by Yaseen Al Meel, Muharraq will look to reset when they face Al Shorta SC of Qatar today at 1pm, aiming to get back on track before concluding their preliminary schedule against the Palestinian Military Club.