Canada Overcomes Libya For Winning Start In Worlds

CANADA bucked a slow start against breakthrough qualifier Libya and prevailed in four sets, 22-25, 25-20, 25-12, 29-27, in Pool G action of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

Although competing in just their second World Championship since 1982, the Libyans caught the Canadians off guard in the first set and prevailed after a tough battle.

But the Canadians, ranked No. 11 in the world, steadied the ship in the next two sets through Nicholas Hoag and Sharone Vernon-Evans.

Vernon-Evans scored six points in the second set as Canada evened the count and set the stage for an easy runout in the third.

But just when it seemed that the Canadians were poised to wrap up the match, the upset-seeking Libyan side took a 22-20 lead in the fourth and looked poised to force a deciding set.

Back-to-back points from Jackson Young enabled Canada to even the count and although a service error from Young delayed Canada’s conquest, late-game heroics from Vernon-Evans helped the team reach match point at 24-23. 

Crucial errors at the service line extended the match but Canada’s net defense and Vernon-Evans’ power eventually clinched the hard-fought victory.

Vernon-Evans ended up with 22 markers for a game-high output – 16 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces –while Hoag added 20.

Ikhbayri Ahmed Abulubaba Amhimmid was the biggest force for Libya in their World Championship return as he led their valiant stand with 17 points. Libya showed formidable competitiveness despite being ranked 75th in the world.

For Canada skipper Hoag, it was just a matter of sticking to their system, especially against an unexpected fight from Libya.

“Just small reminders. As they caught up, we just reminded ourselves of the game plan and what we have to execute to win the game.” Hoag said.

“In the end, that is what we did. We stayed calm and collected and together, we didn’t panic. Congrats to them because they gave us a good game and I think it is important for us to struggle moving forward in the tournament.”

Canada (1-0) will seek another victory, this time against a more formidable foe in World No. 5 Japan on Monday, September 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 2 p.m.

Libya (0-1) eyes an upset when it faces World No. 16 Turkiye also on Monday at 10:30 a.m.