WU20 BEL VS EGY_040

In a thrilling five-set battle with co-hosts Belgium, Egypt claimed their first win at the FIVB Volleyball U20 Women’s World Championship to open Pool H for business in Kortrijk.

Egypt and Belgium exchanged the first two sets, before the home team came out on top in an extended third set to edge forward. The African side battled it back from a set down to celebrate a 3-2 (25-20, 18-25, 27-29, 25-21, 15-9) win, their first at the tournament.

The Belgians scored more points in attack, 67 against 59, and did not lag too far behind in blocking (five against seven stuffs) and in serving (four against five aces), but what made the biggest difference were the unforced errors. The home team committed as many as 39, while the winning side showed more precision and tallied just 28.

Egypt’s outside hitter Farida Elhenawy scored the match high of 22 points. On Belgium’s side, sub-in Dauke Vreys finished with 21.

“This was one of the most exciting games that we’ve ever played! I am happy to share this moment with my team. After three losses, this is a new beginning for us!” Egypt’s middle blocker and captain May Abdelmaguid said.