Dar Kulaib, Al Ahli reach WAVA quarterfinals

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s Al Ahli and Dar Kulaib booked their places in the quarterfinals of the 4th West Asia Volleyball Clubs Championship in Kuwait following the final group-stage matches yesterday.

Al Ahli topped Group B after edging hosts Kuwait SC in a five-set battle. The Yellow Eagles trailed 24-22 in the opening set but closed strongly to take it 26-24. Kuwait SC, coached by Brazilian Talmo Oliveira, responded with a 25-20 win in the second. Al Ahli answered with a 25-19 third set before Kuwait SC forced a decider with another 25-20 win. Al Ahli then closed out the match 16-14 in the fifth to finish unbeaten with eight points.

Coached by Brazilian Renato Castro, Al Ahli leaned on captain Mohamed Anan to manage key rallies. Kuwait SC stayed competitive behind Brazilian Costa and Estonian opposite hitter Oliver Veno, but Al Ahli claimed the crucial points.

Dar Kulaib also advanced after finishing top of Group C with seven points, despite a narrow 2-3 loss to Saudi Al Ittihad. The match ended 22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-13, 15-12. Dar Kulaib forced a fifth set and stayed level deep into the contest. Al Ittihad, coached by Portuguese Idner Martins, relied on Slovenian Matej Kok and Cuban Luis Tomas Sosa to control the net late, limiting Kenyan Mogeni Enock’s impact. Dar Kulaib, led by Montenegrin coach Ivan Joksimovic, pushed one of the tournament’s strongest sides to the limit.

Today is a rest day, with quarterfinals set for tomorrow. Both Bahraini clubs remain in contention for the WAVA title and a place in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Men’s Champions League 2026 in Pontianak, Indonesia.