Egypt knocked out of U17 World Championship after Pakistan fightback

Egypt’s under-17 men’s volleyball team were eliminated from the World Championship in the round of 16 after Pakistan recovered from two sets down to win a marathon match 3-2.

Egypt appeared in control after taking the opening two sets, winning the first 25-17 before extending their advantage with a 25-21 victory in the second.

However, Pakistan responded strongly and turned the match around with two consecutive set wins. They took the third 25-18 and then levelled the contest by winning the fourth 25-15.

The deciding set was closely contested, but Pakistan held their nerve at the crucial moments to secure a 15-12 victory and complete a remarkable comeback.

The result means Egypt’s campaign in the Under-17 World Championship ends at the last-16 stage, despite the team having built a two-set lead in the knockout match.

Pakistan’s win sends them through to the quarter-finals, where they will face Iran.

The tournament is being staged in Qatar and is only the second edition of the Under-17 World Championship to be held. Egypt had finished seventh in the previous edition, which took place in 2024.

Pakistan’s progress therefore keeps them in contention for a place in the latter stages of the competition, while Egypt leave after a match in which their early advantage was ultimately overturned.