Kim Malabunga heartbroken over game-changing ‘error’: ‘Dapat panalo na ‘yon’

For a moment on Thursday, Alas Pilipinas Men made history by notching a ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships knockout stages following a gruelling five-set thriller against Iran.

The joy quickly turned into sorrow, however, as Iran’s successful net touch challenge on Alas veteran Kim Malabunga’s block allowed them to come back and snatch the last 16 ticket.

Malabunga was understandably apologetic after the match, admitting to the error that overturned the country’s greatest achievement in the sport to date.

“Hindi ko ma-explain kasi sobrang na-down ako,”he said. “Akin ‘yon. Dapat panalo na ‘yon kaso na out of balance pa ako. Sorry sa akin.”

Despite the defeat, the former NU Bulldogs standout was hopeful that Alas’ performance is a step in the right direction for the team and the country’s volleyball scene.

“Masaya naman ako kasi ‘yong mga pinaghirapan namin nung nakaraang taon lumabas sa game na ito,” Malabunga said. “Malaking impact talaga ‘tong World Championship para sa amin kasi experience ‘to para sa mga susunod na liga. Pagbutihin na lang namin para makabawi kami sa mga Pilipino,” Malabunga said.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

IT WAS A GREAT FIGHT, BOYS! 😭❤️‍🔥

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US A GOOD FIGHT! 🥹🇵🇭#MWCH2025 #AlasPilipinas pic.twitter.com/tBt7EaKlZO

— Alas Men’s Volleyball Team (@PHNMVT) September 18, 2025

Alas shocked world No. 21 Egypt before putting eighth-ranked Iran on the ropes in the do-or-die clash. They finished with a 1-2 win-loss record in Group A.

For Malabunga, the defeat was also a sign that Alas could compete with the world’s best, and that in the future, history is possible without costly mistakes.

“Biggest lesson namin na huwag susuko kasi kaya pala. Sobrang laki ng iaangat ng men’s volleyball kasi nakita naman ‘yong resulta. Hindi naman tayo basta-bastang bumigay sa game,” said Malabunga.

‘Yong last two games namin, lumabas talaga ‘yong pinaghirapan namin noong nakaraang taon,” he added.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.