Ecstatic Tunisian libero Mohamed Ridene during the decisive match against Egypt.
Pasay City, Philippines — The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship saw a pivotal moment unfold in Pool A as Tunisia delivered a commanding performance against regional rivals Egypt. In what was unequivocally a “do-or-die” North African derby, Tunisia swept the match 3-0, effectively slamming the door shut on Egypt`s hopes and booking their own ticket to the eighthfinals.
The stakes were high, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the next round. The atmosphere was charged, but it was the Tunisian squad that showcased superior execution and tactical prowess, securing the sets with scores of 25-19, 25-18, and a nail-biting 25-22 finish.
A Decisive Victory: How Tunisia Outplayed Their Opponents
From the first serve to the final block, Tunisia demonstrated a clear dominance across all facets of the game. Their offensive machinery was particularly effective, registering **42 spike kills** against Egypt`s 32. This ten-point differential in attacks highlighted Tunisia`s ability to convert opportunities into scoring plays with remarkable efficiency.
Defensively, the Tunisians were equally impressive. They outblocked Egypt with **7 kill blocks** to 4, often stifling Egyptian attacks at the net. The decisive final point of the match encapsulated this defensive might, as 21-year-old middle blocker Mahdi Ben Tahar delivered a “monster-block” that sealed the victory and sent the Tunisian bench into joyous celebration.
Beyond the raw power, Tunisia also displayed a disciplined approach to their game, committing fewer unforced errors (20) compared to Egypt`s 21. While a single error might seem negligible in the grand scheme, such small margins often define high-pressure matchups, revealing a team`s composure under fire. Even in the serving department, Tunisia held a slight edge, delivering **5 aces** against Egypt’s 3.
Standout Performances: The Architects of Victory
While volleyball is inherently a team sport, individual brilliance often lights the path to victory. For Tunisia, several players stepped up to the occasion:
- Oussama Ben Romdhane: The 22-year-old outside hitter was a force to be reckoned with. He not only contributed significantly to the team’s attacking efforts but also proved lethal from the service line, firing off four of Tunisia`s five aces. His two kill blocks further underscored his all-around contribution, culminating in a match-high 14 points.
- Elyes Karamosli: Sharing the top scorer honors with Ben Romdhane, Karamosli also tallied 14 points, all of which came from powerful swings, showcasing his consistency and offensive impact.
- Ali Bongui: The opposite hitter was a model of efficiency, spiking at an impressive 67% success rate. With 13 points and an ace, Bongui`s contribution was crucial in maintaining Tunisia`s attacking momentum.
For Egypt, opposite Seif Abed led their scoring with 12 points, followed by outside hitter Ahmed Shafik with 10 points. Despite their efforts, it wasn`t enough to overcome Tunisia`s collective strength.
“Of course, we are very happy, because from the beginning of the World Championship we knew that we needed to win the match against Egypt, which is also an African derby, in order to qualify for the next round,” Ben Romdhane shared after the match. “I want to thank all my teammates. There are many young players and it was their first World Championship, so I also want to thank them and all the staff, as well as all the fans here.”
A Climb in the Rankings and a Look Ahead
This triumphant sweep had immediate repercussions on the FIVB World Ranking. Tunisia, buoyed by their dominant performance, ascended seven spots, now ranking 33rd globally. Conversely, Egypt experienced a six-position drop, finding themselves at number 28. Such is the dynamic nature of international volleyball – every match carries significant weight.
With this victory, Tunisia secured the first place in Pool A, boasting a 2-1 win-loss record, 6 points, and an impressive 7-3 set record. Their journey continues into the eighthfinals, where they will face the runners-up of Pool H, which could be Czechia, the formidable Brazil, or Serbia. Each of these potential matchups presents a unique challenge, promising more thrilling volleyball action.
Meanwhile, the remaining eighthfinal slot from Pool A is still up for grabs, with hosts Philippines and Iran set to battle it out in their direct duel. The Men`s Volleyball World Championship continues to deliver intense competition and memorable moments as teams vie for global supremacy.
