DILI, 20 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Portugal’s team defeated Timor-Leste in the mixed beach volleyball match held in Lesidere, Dili, as part of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) Sports Games.
Representing Timor-Leste in the mixed category were Miguela Pereira Ximenes (1) and Noeh Deo Graçias Viegas (2), while Portugal’s team featured Matilde Silva (1) and Luís Filipe (2).
Timor-Leste scored the opening point at the start of the match. However, Portugal quickly established its rhythm and strategy, dominating the first set with a score of 21 to 7.
In the second set, Timor-Leste made efforts to respond and gain points, but Portugal’s duo-maintained control of the match and closed out the game with a 21 to 12 win, securing a 2–0 victory.
After the match, beach volleyball athlete Noeh Deo Graçias apologized to the public for the team’s loss in their mixed debut.
“We tried and wanted to win, but in this mixed match my partner Miguela was tired, having already played three sets earlier. Still, we have hope we can win in the next match,” Noeh Deo told TATOLI.
He also emphasized that despite the result, both athletes remain strongly motivated. “We want to win because we represent the nation, but what’s most important is continuing to play with discipline,” he said.
At the same place, Portuguese athlete Luís Filipe celebrated the team’s success, noting that Portugal had won in the women’s, men’s, and mixed categories that day.
“We hope to emerge victorious – not just in beach volleyball, but in all disciplines –to bring home gold medals for Portugal, because we’re here carrying our nation’s name,” he expressed proudly.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
