Shahram Mahmoudi contributed 21 points to Iran's 3-0 victory over Egypt
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 13, 2016 – Shahram Mahmoudi led Iran in their 3-0 (28-26, 25-22, 25-16) win over Egypt in Pool B on Saturday, to advance to the quarterfinal of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s volleyball competition at Maracanazinho.
Mahmoudi was solid from the three-metre line, as he produced 19 attacks. He also blocked two shots to add up to his total of 21 points. Ahmed Abdelhay top scored for Egypt with 13 markers.
Iran and Egypt began with an exchange of strong attacks that prevented each side to build a significant advantage. At the score of 22-all, Iran gained a slim one-point edge that was easily wiped out by the African side. Another series of lead changes followed until Milad Ebadipour scored on consecutive swings from the left flank that secured the opening set for Iran 28-26.
Egypt kept the same intensity and challenged Iran for every point in the second set. Egypt’s top scorer in the first set, Ahmed Afifi, took a bad fall in the middle of the set, which affected their momentum, allowing Iran to reach set point from a block by Mahmoudi. Adel Gholami delivered the second set win for Iran with a tip from the middle 25-22.
Iran led at the start of the third frame but Ahmed Abdelhay kept Egypt within striking distance. However, Iran had a fast-paced game and were excellent on their net defence. Iran gained momentum and closed set and match 25-16.