The 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship in Porec concluded with remarkable performances by Guinea, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Each team secured a hard-fought victory in their respective placement matches, marking significant moments in their handball histories. Guinea achieved a historic win against Cuba in a dramatic penalty shootout, Kuwait overpowered Japan in a high-scoring match, and Bahrain battled past Algeria to finish strong. These victories not only provided a morale boost for the teams but also highlighted their growing presence in the global handball scene.
Guinea Makes History with First-Ever World Championship Victory
One of the most memorable moments of the tournament came from Guinea, who claimed a dramatic 33:31 victory over Cuba after a tense penalty shootout. This was a groundbreaking achievement, as it marked Guinea’s first-ever win in the IHF Men’s World Championship.
Guinea, making their debut in the competition, faced off against Cuba in the 31st-place match. The game was a nail-biter from start to finish. Both teams fought relentlessly, ending the first half tied at 16:16. The battle continued throughout the second half, with neither side able to gain a decisive lead. The match finished at 28:28 in regulation time, leading to an intense penalty shootout.
Despite a stellar performance by Cuban goalkeeper Adan Armando Calzado Martinez, who made 10 crucial saves and achieved a 45% save rate, Guinea remained composed. Their flawless execution in the penalty shootout ensured their victory, etching their name in the history books.
Guinea’s success is not just about a single match but represents a major step forward for African handball. Their journey to the World Championship and this historic win could inspire future generations of handball players in the region.
Kuwait’s Commanding Win Against Japan
Kuwait also ended their championship run on a high note, securing 27th place with a thrilling 37:32 win over Japan. It was a strong performance from Kuwait, who demonstrated their attacking firepower and determination to finish the tournament positively.
The match started with high intensity, as both teams exchanged goals in the early minutes. Japan, known for their speed and agility, attempted to challenge Kuwait’s defensive structure. However, Kuwait built an early five-goal lead, showcasing their efficiency in attack. Japan responded well, reducing the gap to just one goal by halftime (17:16).
Despite Japan’s efforts, Kuwait regained control in the second half. Their star player, Saif Aldawani, led the charge with an outstanding performance, scoring eight goals. His total tally for the tournament reached an impressive 47 goals. Aldawani’s contribution was instrumental in Kuwait’s dominance, earning him the ‘hummel Player of the Match’ title.
Kuwait’s ability to maintain their attacking momentum and capitalize on Japan’s defensive errors ensured their victory. The win was a testament to their resilience and growth as a team, especially after their long absence from the global stage.
Bahrain’s Hard-Fought Victory Over Algeria
Bahrain delivered a gritty performance in their final match, securing a 29:26 win against Algeria to claim 29th place. It was a match filled with momentum swings, intense duels, and a fierce fight for every goal.
Algeria started strongly, taking an 18:16 lead at one point in the first half. However, their momentum was disrupted when key right back Ayyoub Abdi suffered an ankle injury, forcing him out of the game. With their shooting efficiency dropping to 55%, Algeria struggled to keep up with Bahrain’s relentless attacks.
Bahrain capitalized on Algeria’s struggles, stepping up their game in the second half. Center back Mohamed Mohamed led the charge, scoring nine goals and orchestrating Bahrain’s offensive plays. His ability to control the tempo of the game and exploit gaps in Algeria’s defense was a major factor in Bahrain’s comeback.
Another standout performer was Bahrain’s goalkeeper, Hesham Isa, who delivered an outstanding performance with 16 crucial saves. His ability to deny Algeria’s attackers time and again played a decisive role in securing Bahrain’s victory. Isa’s heroic display earned him the ‘hummel Player of the Match’ recognition.
This win was not only a strong finish for Bahrain in the tournament but also a display of their growing competitiveness on the international stage.
Kuwait’s Return to the World Championship
Kuwait’s participation in the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship was significant, marking their return to the tournament after a 16-year absence. The country’s last appearance in the competition was in 2009, making their comeback a moment of pride for Kuwaiti handball fans.
Their journey back to the world stage was made possible by an impressive performance at the 2024 AHF Men’s Asian Championship in Bahrain, where they reached the semi-finals and secured a qualification spot. Under the leadership of Algerian coach Said Hadjazi, Kuwait’s team showed great progress throughout the tournament.
Although they faced tough opponents and challenging matches, Kuwait’s ability to compete at a high level demonstrated their improvement. Their victory over Japan was a statement win, proving that they are ready to rebuild and compete at the highest level once again.
Bahrain’s Consistency in International Handball
Bahrain has been a consistent presence in international handball, and their performance in the 2025 World Championship reflected their steady progress. Throughout the tournament, they displayed a well-organized and disciplined style of play.
One of their most notable victories came against Cuba, where they dominated with a convincing 39:26 win. Leading 17:12 at halftime, Bahrain continued to press forward in the second half, extending their lead and controlling the game with authority.
Their strong performances throughout the competition are a testament to the country’s commitment to developing handball. Bahrain has been investing in its handball program over the years, and their ability to compete against strong opponents shows that they are heading in the right direction.
What These Wins Mean for the Future
The victories for Guinea, Kuwait, and Bahrain go beyond just placement in the championship. These wins symbolize growth, perseverance, and the rise of emerging handball nations.
For Guinea, their first-ever World Championship victory is a historic milestone that could inspire more investment and development in handball within the country. Their success proves that new teams can make an impact on the world stage, and it sets the foundation for future participation in major tournaments.
Kuwait’s return to the championship after 16 years is a significant achievement. Their ability to compete and secure a victory against a strong team like Japan demonstrates that they are rebuilding a competitive squad. Their performance in this tournament will serve as motivation for future generations of Kuwaiti handball players.
Bahrain, on the other hand, has reaffirmed their status as a consistent and competitive team. Their strong showings in international competitions over the past few years highlight their growing handball culture and commitment to excellence. With continued development, Bahrain could become a regular contender on the world stage.
Conclusion
The 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship was a platform for Guinea, Kuwait, and Bahrain to showcase their talents and resilience. Guinea’s historic win, Kuwait’s strong comeback, and Bahrain’s determined performance all made headlines and captured the spirit of competition.
As these teams return home, their victories will serve as inspiration for further development in their respective handball communities. The championship may have ended, but the impact of these wins will be felt for years to come, shaping the future of handball in these nations.
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