The Tunisia team, led by former Bulgarian coach Camillo Placi, started with a decisive victory in the opening match of the Men's Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines. The Africans prevailed with3:0 (25:13, 25:17, 25:23)over the hosts in Manila and took the full asset of three points in their first match from Group A.

The Philippines, for whom this was a historic debut at the World Championship, were strongly supported by the public, but failed to win a game, although in the third set they held their own and had their chances.
This was also an Italian derby on the coaching benches, with Angiolino Frigoni at the head of the Philippines and Camillo Placi at the head of Tunisia.

Match statistics

Tunisia dominated in attack and block, where the difference is particularly noticeable (10 against 3 blocks). Although the Africans made more mistakes, their advantage in the key elements compensated and allowed them to close the match without tension.

Defense and distribution play

The hosts showed good reception and active distribution, but Tunisia was more stable in defense with saved balls and skillfully broke the attempts to turn the game around.

Top scorers

Bryan Bagunas was extremely productive with 23 points and was the leading scorer of the match, but his individual effort was not enough against Tunisia's more balanced game. The Africans distributed the attack more evenly, with three players exceeding the 9-point mark.

In their next match on September 14, Tunisia will face Iran - a major favorite in the group. The Philippines will have a new test against Egypt.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov