Bahrain bow to Egypt in handball friendly

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s senior men’s national handball team bowed to their Egyptian counterparts 22-34 last night in an international friendly match played as part of their preparations for the 27th IHF Men’s Handball World Championship, which will be held in Egypt next month.

The Bahrainis had a sub-par second half as they opened the game with a solid first 30 minutes, going down by just one goal, 14-15, at the interval.

Eleven players scored for the home team in the loss, with Ahmed Jalal and Komail Ali converting three goals apiece. But the nationals also conceded more than they would have liked while allowing two of Egypt’s players to finish with six goals each.

Bahrain, guided by Icelandic coach Halldor Johann Sigfusson, will be facing the Egyptians one more time in a second tune-up contest scheduled for tomorrow.

The game will once again be played at the Bahrain Handball Association arena in Um Al Hassam.

The world championships are scheduled to take place January 13 to 31 in five cities in Egypt. The Bahrain sealed their place in the sport’s premier competition after placing fourth at this year’s Asian championship.

Bahrain has been drawn in Group D for the preliminary round alongside defending world champions Denmark, Argentina and DR Congo.

Bahrain had also made it to the world championship in 2011, 2017 and 2019. Their best finish was 20th in 2019, after previously finishing 23rd both times in 2011 and 2017.