Najma outclass Oman’s Ahli Sidab in Gulf handball

TDT | Manama                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Defending champions Al Najma Club of Bahrain maintained their winning ways last night in the 39th Gulf Clubs Men’s Handball Championship, defeating Al Ahli Sidab of Oman 33-25.

The game was their second in Group A in the preliminary round of the tournament, which is being held at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

It was also their second successive win as it follows their 27-22 decision over Al Salmiya of Kuwait in their opening fixture.

Meanwhile, also yesterday, Al Arabi of Qatar edged past Salmiya 24-23. Arabi also claimed their second successive win while both Ahli Sidab and Salmiya have two losses.

Eight teams from across the region are taking part in the tournament, which continues until 17 March.

Bahrain is represented by Najma and Al Ahli, who are in Group B for the preliminaries alongside Kuwait SC of Kuwait, Sharjah of the UAE and Al Safa of Saudi Arabia.

Ahli lost their opening game on Thursday against Kuwait but will be looking to bounce back today when they take on Safa at 7pm. At 5pm, Sharjah and Kuwait face off.

The preliminaries continue until Monday, after which the semi-finals will take place with the top two clubs from each of the two groups advancing.

Najma won last year’s Gulf handball title after defeating Saudi outfit Mudhar in the tournament final in Kuwait City.

It was the sixth time the Bahraini side claimed the coveted championship.

Their triumph also ended a two-decade title drought, as their previous victories came in 2001, 1998, 1990, 1985 and 1984.