Inexperienced-shirts overturn 2-0 deficit to beat world quantity six 3-2 in Beneath-17 world occasion
Pakistan produced some of the memorable comebacks of their youth volleyball historical past on Tuesday, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 and e-book a spot within the quarter-finals of the FIVB Boys’ Beneath-17 World Championship 2026.
The Inexperienced-shirts, ranked 13 on this planet, shocked sixth-ranked Egypt 17-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-15, 15-12 in a gripping spherical of 16 encounter in Doha.
The victory was all of the extra spectacular given the style during which Pakistan responded after showing to be on the verge of elimination. Egypt dominated the opening two units and moved inside one set of securing a spot within the final eight.
Pakistan, nonetheless, refused to give up. The younger lot dramatically modified the complexion of the competition within the third set, stepping up their serving, blocking and defensive protection whereas turning into more and more aggressive in assault. They took the set 25-18 to maintain their hopes alive.
The momentum remained firmly with Pakistan within the fourth set. Enjoying with larger confidence and composure, the group managed the exchanges from the outset and gained 25-15 to power a decisive fifth set.
The ultimate set became a tense battle, with neither facet prepared to surrender floor. Pakistan held their nerves on the essential moments and closed out the match 15-12, finishing a outstanding comeback from 0-2 down.
The victory sparked celebrations among the many Pakistani gamers, teaching workers and supporters, because the group secured their place within the quarter-finals.
Muhammad Waleed, Muhammad Irfan and Fahad Ali had been among the many gamers who made important contributions in the course of the five-set battle. Waleed delivered an influential efficiency throughout key levels, whereas Irfan offered consistency and composure as Pakistan fought their method again into the competition. Fahad Ali additionally impressed together with his attacking contribution and dedication within the decisive moments.
The consequence represents a major milestone for Pakistan’s youth volleyball programme. Defeating a group ranked six locations greater on the world stage underlines the potential of the nation’s rising volleyball expertise.
Pakistan had already made a powerful begin to their marketing campaign, defeating Chinese language Taipei 3-0 earlier than struggling a 3-0 defeat towards Iran. The Inexperienced-shirts bounced again with one other straight-set victory, beating Algeria 3-0 to advance to the knockout stage.
Their newest victory over Egypt has now taken them into the quarter-finals, the place they’ll face acquainted opponents Iran.
Pakistan will meet Iran immediately at 7pm PST, with a spot within the semi-finals at stake. Iran had defeated Pakistan 3-0 within the pool stage, giving the Inexperienced-shirts a possibility to avenge that defeat on the largest stage of the match.
Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) congratulated the gamers, teaching workers, group administration and officers on the historic victory and urged the group to stay targeted forward of the quarter-final.
With their place among the many world’s prime eight Beneath-17 groups secured, Pakistan now stands one victory away from reaching the World Championship semi-finals.