Oman show fight against Japan in Asian opener

MUSCAT, SEPT 5
Oman produced a spirited performance against defending Asian champions and world No 6 Japan before going down 3-1 in their opening match of the 2026 AVC Men’s Volleyball Asian Championship in Fukuoka, Japan.
Despite the defeat, the national team delivered one of the surprises of the opening round by taking the third set from the hosts, forcing Japan into a fourth set after the Asian heavyweights had established a commanding 2-0 lead.
Japan eventually sealed the contest 25-18, 25-13, 20-25, 25-9, but Oman showed encouraging signs, particularly in the opening and third sets, where they matched the hosts for long periods with disciplined defence, effective blocking and confident attacking.
Oman began the opening set positively, with Falah al Jaradi scoring the first point before Mahmoud al Saadi and Majid al Shibli helped the national side establish an early advantage.
Osama al Maamari also contributed as Oman stayed level with Japan during the opening exchanges. The sides traded points before Oman moved 8-6 ahead, but Japan gradually increased the tempo and began exploiting their speed and attacking efficiency.
Oman remained within touching distance and reduced the deficit to 16-17 before Japan regained control, restricting the attacking threat of Al Saadi and Al Jaradi to close out the first set 25-18.
The hosts stepped up their intensity in the second set, using their experience, quick transition and strong blocking to open a comfortable advantage.
Oman head coach Nizar al Shukaili responded with changes, introducing Adam al Jaradi and Ismail al Hidi in an effort to inject fresh momentum. Falah al Jaradi, Osama al Maamari and Mahmoud al Saadi continued to search for openings in the Japanese defence, but the hosts maintained control to take the set 25-13 and move within one set of victory.
OMAN HIT BACK
Oman responded impressively in the third set and produced their best volleyball of the night.
Osama al Maamari opened the scoring with a powerful attack before Saud al Maamari added an important point at the net as Oman moved 3-1 ahead.
Majid al Shibli then emerged as a major attacking threat, repeatedly finding gaps in the Japanese defence as Oman raised their intensity in both attack and reception.
The national side moved three points clear at 12-9 before Japan recovered to level at 13-13, setting up a tense second half of the set.
Rather than allowing the hosts to take control, Oman maintained their composure. Al Shibli struck again with a powerful finish, while Al Maamari continued to make his presence felt at the net.
Oman regained a three-point cushion at 19-16 and refused to surrender the initiative despite Japan’s attempts to respond. Strong blocking, disciplined defence and greater attacking confidence carried the national side through the decisive exchanges as they deservedly secured the set 25-20.
The response prevented Japan from completing a straight-set victory and underlined Oman’s ability to compete against one of the world’s leading sides.
Japan, however, responded emphatically in the fourth set. The hosts established an early advantage and used their powerful serving and blocking to disrupt Oman’s rhythm.
A series of errors also cost Oman valuable points as Japan steadily stretched their lead. Al Shukaili attempted further changes, but the national side were unable to reproduce the intensity of the previous set.
Japan eventually closed the fourth set 25-9 to complete a 3-1 victory.
Despite opening their continental campaign with a defeat, Oman can take encouragement from a performance that included a deserved set against the world No 6 side and defending Asian champions, as the team now turns its attention to the remaining Pool A matches against Australia and Bahrain.