Kim Malabunga owns costly error in loss vs Iran, eyes growth for Alas Pilipinas Men

Kim Malabunga took full accountability for his costly error late in the match, which marred Alas Pilipinas Men's gallant stand against world No. 16 Iran, falling in a heartbreaker: 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 22-20, in Group A of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship on Thursday night.

For a brief moment, the Philippines seemed on top of the world after Malabunga appeared to seal the game with a block against Iran’s Ali Haghparast, putting the score at 20-18 in the extended fifth set.

However, Iran challenged the play, and upon review, it was revealed that Malabunga’s right hand touched the net as he came down—nullifying the point.

Having already celebrated prematurely, the stunned Filipinos struggled to regain their composure in the 19-all reset. Iran capitalized with back-to-back points to snatch the win and secure the final ticket to the knockout stage.

“Hindi ko ma-explain kasi sobrang nada-down ako eh. Akin ‘yun eh. Dapat panalo na ‘yun, kaso na-out of balance pa ako. Sorry sa akin,” said a visibly emotional Malabunga.

“Masasabi ko lang, masaya pa rin. Masaya pero malungkot. Nakikita ko 'yung coaches at teammates ko—masaya naman sila sa naging resulta ng game kasi 'yung mga pinaghirapan namin nung nakaraang taon, lumabas sa game na 'to. Masaya ako, pero sobrang nanghihinayang,” he added.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Alas’ performance left a lasting impression.

Malabunga, who finished with 10 points, remains optimistic that their stint on the world stage will be a stepping stone for the team’s continued growth.

“Malaking impact talaga 'tong World Championship para sa amin, kasi experience ito para sa mga susunod na liga. Pagbutihin na lang namin para makabawi kami sa mga Pilipino,” he said.

“Our biggest lesson is to never give up—because now we know, we actually can,” he concluded.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News