AVC Men’s Champions League:
Foolad Sirjan labors to victory in opener
Foolad Sirjan got of to a shaky start at the inaugural AVC Men’s Champions League, edging out Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin in a thrilling five-setter (25-17, 22-25, 25-17, 19-25, 15-11) at Osaka’s Panasonic Arena in Japan on Sunday.
Outside-hitter Amirhossein Esfandiar contributed with a game-high 25 points, including three aces and one block, while opposite-spiker Ali Hajipour chipped in 24 for the newly-crowned Iranian champion.
Tamiraa Khangal led the scoring for the Thai club with 21 points.
All eyes, however, were on French star Earvin Ngapeth – an MVP during the Olympic gold-winning campaign on home soil last year – who finished with 10 points.
“It was the first game of the competition, so, very important to win. It was not easy due to the timing. Playing at 10am is not easy for us, but although we won in five sets, it’s still important. Our next match remains the same as we have to play at 10am again. However, we have to win,” Ngapeth said after the match.
Foolad showcased its depth and resilience in the opening set, with Ngapeth and Cuban middle-blocker Javier Concepción delivering an all-around masterclass.
The Frenchman displayed his vast experience, leaving Nakhon Ratchasima flat-footed by his powerful spikes and delicate dropshots.
The prolific Concepción, meanwhile, further bolstered the Iranian side with solid blocks and swift attacks, making the team look nearly uncatchable. Nakhon Ratchasima tried to fight back with intensity, as left-handed Amorntep Khonhan launched attacks from both the flank and backline, but the Iranian defense remained impenetrable.
Nakhon Ratchasima improved significantly in a gritty second set, especially in floor coverage. Anurak Phanram was brought in to reinforce the team. The Thais read the Iranian plays smartly, dug deep, and blocked relentlessly to break through with precise spikes.
Foolad struggled to contain Khangal’s powerful attacks and the superb blocking of Uzbek Azizbek Kuchkorov and Indonesian Doni Haryono.
Foolad still managed to mount a successful comeback in the third set, led by Esfandiar, Hajipour, and Concepción, with the former unleashing a series of explosive spikes and effective blocks to disrupt the Thai defense. Though Khangal and Doni continued to lead Nakhon Ratchasima’s offense with strong performances, they ultimately found the Iranians too formidable to overcome.
Nakhon Ratchasima delivered a well-structured performance in the fourth set, dominating the two-time Asian champion with sharp receptions and solid blocks. Lightning-fast attacks from Kissada Nilsawai and Azizbek, combined with powerful spikes from Khangal and Doni, proved to be key assets for the Thai side.
Hajipour and Esfandiar launched aggressive attacks from both flanks to help Behrouz Ataei’s side recover from a shaky start, but Nakhon Ratchasima maintained its momentum to force the contest into the decider.
The fifth set saw both teams battle fiercely, with Foolad surging ahead, and despite Nakhon Ratchasima’s determined efforts to close the gap, the comeback ultimately fell short.
Foolad Sirjan will wrap up its Pool C campaign against the Chinese Taipei’s Taichung Bank on Tuesday morning.