Egypt coach expects ‘very, very difficult’ match vs Alas Pilipinas in FIVB Worlds

Egypt is set to face Alas Pilipinas on Tuesday, and head coach Marco Bonitta is expecting a tough challenge from the host team.

Egypt is coming off its first win, a four-set victory over Iran, while the Philippines suffered a straight-sets loss to Tunisia in its opening match.

It was the Philippines’ strong showing in the third set against Tunisia that raised Bonitta’s expectations heading into their matchup.

“After tomorrow. [it] will be a very, very difficult match because [the] Philippines was a little bit nervous [in the] first and second set but they played very good from the third set,” Bonitta said while referring to the Philippines’ 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 loss to Tunisia.

“I’m sure that the level of the Philippine team is what they showed us in the third set so it will be a very tough match after tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Egyptian standout Abdelrahman Elhossiny Eissa also acknowledged the potential of the home team and coach Angiolino Frigoni.

“Philippines has very good players, also the coach I know him. He’s a very good coach. he’s been on top for a longer time,” Eissa said."

Only the top two teams of each pool will advance to the Round of 16. The Philippines, Egypt, Iran, and Tunisia comprise Pool A of the tournament.

—GMA Integrated News