MUSCAT, SEPT 7
Oman will have one final opportunity to keep their Asian Championship campaign alive when they face Bahrain on Wednesday, following a straight-sets defeat to Australia in Fukuoka, Japan, on Monday.
The national team suffered their second loss in Pool A of the 2026 AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship, with Australia winning 25-18, 25-14, 25-22. Oman, however, produced a stronger performance in the third set, leading for much of it before the Australians recovered to complete the victory.
The result leaves Oman seeking their first win when they meet Bahrain at 5 am Oman time on September 9. Both sides have lost their opening two matches, making the encounter decisive in the contest for third place and a possible quarterfinal berth.
Australia, meanwhile, registered their second successive victory after opening their campaign with a 3-0 win over Bahrain.
Oman had entered Monday’s match hoping to build on their encouraging performance against hosts Japan, when they took a set from the defending Asian champions and world No 6 despite losing 3-1.
The opening set began with both teams exchanging points, but Australia gradually established an advantage through their powerful attack and effective blocking.
Majid al Shibli and Falah al Jaradi provided much of Oman’s attacking threat, helping the side reduce the deficit to 10-7. Head coach Nizar al Shukaili introduced Adam al Jaradi to strengthen the attack, and the substitute made an immediate impact with two successive points.
Australia nevertheless maintained their advantage and closed the set 25-18.
Oman briefly led 5-4 in the second set, with Al Shibli again finding success in attack and Saud al Maamari contributing at the net. Australia responded quickly, opening a 13-9 lead before taking control of the latter stages through stronger serving, blocking and attacking efficiency.
The Australians won the set 25-14 to move two sets ahead.
Oman push back
Oman showed greater resilience in the third set, with Mohammed al Maqbali and Mahmoud al Saadi contributing to an improved start before Falah al Jaradi finished a long rally with a powerful spike.
The national side built a four-point lead during their best spell of the match, but Australia gradually reduced the deficit and levelled at 17-17.
The closing stages were closely contested as Oman continued to challenge the Australian attack and remained within reach of extending the match. Australia eventually moved 22-20 ahead and held their nerve to secure the set 25-22.
The result means Oman have one set won and six lost from their opening two fixtures, while Bahrain have lost both matches without winning a set.
Under the competition format, the top two teams from each of the three pools and the two best third-placed sides advance to the quarterfinals. A victory over Bahrain would therefore give Oman an opportunity to enter the third-place qualification calculations, although progression would also depend on results elsewhere.
Al Shukaili will be looking for greater consistency from his players, particularly in reception, serving and blocking, as Oman seek to turn the promising periods shown against Japan and Australia into a first victory of the tournament.
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