Philippines suffers heavy defeat to Pakistan in AVC Nations Cup 2025 opener

The Philippines national volleyball team suffered a heavy defeat to Pakistan with a score of 1-3 (18-25, 12-25, 25-18, 22-25) in their opening Group C match of the 2025 AVC Nations Cup at Isa bin Rashid Hall, Manama, Bahrain.

The world ranking difference proved crucial in this match — Pakistan, ranked 49th globally, displayed more dominance compared to the Philippines, who sit at 62nd position.

The team coached by Frigoni Angiolino, featuring key players Markc Jesus Espejo, Kim Malabunga, and Steven Charles Rotter, struggled to develop their gameplay.

This defeat serves as a serious warning for the Philippines, who will be Southeast Asia’s sole representative at the World Volleyball Championship this September — a tournament they will host.