Alas Pilipinas are determined to keep their title hopes alive in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup as they take on host country Bahrain in a must-win match.
Alas Pilipinas find themselves in a must-win situation in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, this after dropping their campaign opener early Monday, June 3.
The Philippines started its title-contention bid on the wrong foot as it endured a tough, straight-set loss to world No. 32 China, 19-25, 22-25, 22-25.
Following such an early setback, the Filipinos are now left with no alternative but to secure a crucial victory against host country Bahrain on Tuesday, June 4, at 12:00 a.m.
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With only two matches allotted per squad in the pool phase of the 12-team tournament, conceding defeat twice spells certain elimination.
Compounding the challenge for Alas Pilipinas is their recent history against Bahrain.
In the classification phase of the 2023 AVC Challenge Cup, Bahrain dealt the Philippines a straight-set defeat, 20-25, 17-25, 23-25.
The stakes are clear for the Filipinos, and Alas head coach Sergio Veloso aims to continue banking on the team’s solid blend of youthful energy and veteran expertise – the same mix that posed a formidable challenge to China.
[ALSO READ: AVC: Marck Espejo, Alas Pilipinas take campaign-opening loss to China in stride]
“I’m so happy with the team because we played against a very strong team, China. My players, we have three young players on the court and the guys played very well. The score was not the same when you look [it’s] 3-0 but the fight was good,” said Veloso.
“This is the most important – as I told my players, sometimes we win but every time you need to learn.”
Veloso then added: “I expect to have a very good match [against Bahrain]...Now we need to win the next match to [advance to the next round.]”