Alas Pilipinas put up a gallant stand in the third set, but Tunisia leaned on the leadership of outside hitter Oussama Ben Romdhane to spoil the Philippines’ historic debut in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in attendance, Tunisia cruised to a 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 sweep of the host nation in their opening Group A preliminary match.
Team captain Bryan Bagunas carried the fight for the Philippines, scoring 23 points—including nine in the third set—as the Filipinos forced 10 deadlocks in the closing stretch of the 68-minute duel.
But Romdhane, who powered Tunisia with 17 points on 15 kills and two blocks, delivered the breakthrough play. With the score tied at 24-all, he snuck in a clever low placement shot at the net to push Tunisia ahead. Moments later, Ben Slimene sealed the win by blocking Marck Espejo’s attack for match point.
“The first two sets were very easy. But the third was difficult. We are happy for the win,” said Romdhane after Tunisia secured the early Group A lead.
Middle blocker Ahmed Kadhi, outside hitter Elyes Karamosli, and opposite Ali Bongui also chipped in nine points each to bolster Tunisia’s balanced attack.
Bagunas kept the Philippines alive late, tying the score at 23-all with a powerful smash, but the Tunisians proved steadier down the stretch.
“It’s not the result we wanted, but it was a great game,” Bagunas admitted.
Tunisia quickly established control in the opener with an 8-1 start, as Romdhane and Kadhi combined for nine points in the first set. In the second, Kadhi’s well-placed drop shot extended their lead to 10-5, setting the tone for another dominant frame.
With the victory, Tunisia moved a step closer to advancing to the elimination round—a feat they also achieved in 2022.
The Philippines, meanwhile, will try to bounce back and keep its knockout-round hopes alive when it faces Egypt on Monday.
