Alas Pilipinas shocks Egypt, books historic first win at FIVB World Championship

On a raucous Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Philippines etched its name in volleyball history. Alas Pilipinas stunned African champions Egypt in four thrilling sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, to record its maiden victory at the FIVB Men’s World Championship — and keep its knockout stage hopes alive.

The triumph was not only about the scoreline. It marked the first time in the federation’s 64-year existence that a Philippine team competed — and won — on volleyball’s biggest stage. With Pool A now evenly locked at 1-1 records, the Nationals face a do-or-die clash against world No. 14 Iran for a coveted Round of 16 spot.

“I am very happy. Not because we won but we showed that we [can play] good volleyball,” head coach Angiolino Frigoni said, crediting his squad’s growth over the past 16 months. “We never played in a world championship [before] and now we [won] in a match against Egypt. They gave us an opportunity to [win] the match and we took it.”

Frigoni’s joy was unmistakable — he even collapsed on the court in sheer relief and celebration. “I laid on the ground because I was very happy. This is not just for the Philippines, this team was with me for 15 or 16 months and I saw how they improved. And I was waiting for that winning moment, to win one match to show everybody how much we improved in these 16 months — and that happened today.”

The turning point came early. After fending off four set points in the opening frame, the Filipinos strung together a power tip from Bryan Bagunas, a block by Kim Malabunga, and a service ace from Leo Ordiales to shock the Egyptians, 29-27. 

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UPSET ALERT

World No. 88 Philippines stun reigning African champions and world no. 21 Egypt to claim their historic win at the FIVB Men’s World Championship: 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-20. Congratulations, Alas Pilipinas! #VolleyballWorldChampionship #MWCH2025… pic.twitter.com/24IE8siMwH

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) September 16, 2025

“When we won the first set, it felt like the best game of our lives and that’s when we started to think that we can do this and win,” said star spiker Marck Espejo.

Egypt responded in the second, 25-23, but Alas Pilipinas showed its grit in the third. Deadlocked at 20-all, Espejo took over with three clutch points in a 5-1 finishing kick. The Nationals carried that momentum into the fourth set, repelling Egypt’s every push to seal the country’s most significant volleyball victory yet.

Bagunas powered the attack with 25 points on 23 kills and two blocks, while Espejo chipped in 13 markers built on a well-rounded line of nine spikes, three blocks, and an ace. Malabunga and Lloyd Josafat added key contributions in the middle, while setter Owa Retamar orchestrated the offense with a 39% setting efficiency.

Converted libero Josh Ybañez, meanwhile, steadied the back row, ensuring that Egypt’s rallies never found consistent rhythm.

For the opposition, Seifeldin Hassan Aly finished with 15 points and Mohamed Osman Elhaddad tallied 14, but Egypt could not withstand the Philippines’ inspired surge in front of its home crowd.

More than just a win, it was a statement: Alas Pilipinas is no longer just a newcomer — it is a contender.

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