Cambodia stun Alas Pilipinas in five-set SEA V Cup shocker

CANDON, ILOCOS SUR — Alas Pilipinas opened its 2026 Southeast Asian Men’s V Cup campaign on a disappointing note after Cambodia pulled off a historic five-set upset, 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8, on Wednesday at the Candon City Arena.

The defeat leaves the Philippines needing a victory against reigning AVC Men’s Cup champion Indonesia on Friday at 5:30 p.m. to stay alive in the race for a semifinal berth from Pool A.

Despite the setback, Alas Pilipinas debutant Jude Garcia remained optimistic, emphasizing the team’s effort despite being a newly assembled squad.

“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm kasi given naman na bagong team kami na binuo dito sa SEA V Cup pero alam naman natin na pinakita naman lahat ng bawat isa kung paano maglaro tapos yung kapit sa game na ‘to pero kinapos lang. Pero, ayun nga, sabi ni coach Frigoni, matuto kami sa pagkatalo na ‘to,” Garcia said.

The Philippines managed to extend the match after a strong fourth-set finish, with Garcia, Lirick Mendoza, and FIVB Men’s World Championship veteran Louie Ramirez combining for a crucial 3-1 closing run to secure the frame, 25-22.

However, Alas Pilipinas struggled to keep pace in the deciding set as Cambodia exploded behind Voeurn Veasna, Pin Sarun, Kuon Mom, and Phol Ratanak. The Cambodians surged to an 11-4 advantage and completed the upset in two hours and 14 minutes.

Veasna delivered a dominant performance for Cambodia, erupting for 33 points on 28 attacks while adding three blocks and two aces. Mom contributed 11 points, Ratanak scored 10 highlighted by four blocks, and Sarun added eight as Cambodia earned its first SEA V Cup victory after going winless in its debut campaign last year.

Joshua Magalaman provided a bright spot for Alas Pilipinas in his first indoor national team appearance, leading the Philippines with 21 points from 15 attacks, four blocks, and two aces.

Garcia followed with 20 points, while Ramirez chipped in 17. Al-Bukharie Sali scored 10 points, and Mendoza added eight in the losing effort.

In the earlier match, Thailand overcame a second-set setback to defeat Vietnam, 33-31, 18-25, 25-19, 25-16, in Pool B.

Captain Amornthep Khonhan made an immediate impact after entering in the third set, helping Thailand take control of the final two frames. He finished with 14 points from 10 attacks, three blocks, and one ace.

Chaiwat Thungkham led Thailand with 21 points, while Nadapet Bhinijdee added 19. Vietnam’s Nguyen Ngoc Thuan and Pham Quoc Du each recorded 16 points in the defeat.