Muharraq’s title bid ends in Tunisia

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain champions Muharraq saw their impressive run in the 44th Arab Club Men’s Volleyball Championship come to an end yesterday, losing 3-1 (25-20, 24-26, 22-25, 21-25) to hosts Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the semi-final.

Muharraq started with authority at the Sports Palace Hall in Tunisia, taking the opening set 25-20 through composed attacking and solid blocking. Jacob Link and Mateusz Jozwik set the tempo, while Mohammed Abdulla and Naser Anan delivered crucial points late to keep the hosts at bay.

The turning point came in a tense second set. Muharraq led 24-20 after Link and Abdulla stretched the cushion, but service errors and extended video checks allowed Etoile back into contention. Hamza Hfaiedh sparked the comeback as the hosts overturned the deficit to snatch the set 26-24, silencing Muharraq’s bench.

Set three developed into a bruising battle of momentum swings. Muharraq repeatedly fought back to level the score, with Abdulla, Anan, and Jozwik keeping them in touch, but Etoile’s Wajdi Baroudi and Ala Samoud were decisive at the net. A spectacular rally finished by Farrah pushed the hosts to a 25-22 win.

Muharraq showed resilience again in the fourth, closing to within a point at 21-20 after late strikes from Link and Anan. However, Etoile responded under pressure, with Hfaiedh sealing the contest 25-21 to send the home crowd into celebration.

Coached by Yaseen Al Meel, Muharraq bow out with pride after a strong tournament run that included group-stage wins over Oman’s Majees SC, Qatar’s Police CF, and the Palestinian Forces Club, and a dominant quarter-final sweep of Qatar SC.

Despite the defeat, the Red Wolves’ semi-final showing underlined their growing stature among Arab volleyball’s elite.