In a commanding display at the Arena Zagreb, Egypt’s national handball team triumphed over Bahrain with a decisive 35-24 victory on January 17, 2025, during the IHF World Men’s Handball Championship. This crucial win marks Egypt’s second consecutive victory in Group H, ensuring their progression to the main round of the tournament. With a well-balanced performance on both offense and defense, Egypt demonstrated their potential as a strong contender in the competition.
Match Overview
The match began with both teams showing strong defensive strategies. Egypt, under the guidance of coach Juan Carlos Pastor, made a key tactical adjustment by introducing goalkeeper Karim Hendawy into the starting lineup. This change proved to be significant as Hendawy’s sharp reflexes and crucial saves set the tone for Egypt’s defensive efforts early on.
Bahrain, on the other hand, came into the match with a determined spirit, aiming to recover from their previous loss. Their coach, Aron Kristjansson, had to make last-minute adjustments after their key player, Abdulla Alzaimoor, was ruled out due to injury. In his place, line player Sayed Mahmood Alfalahi was brought into the squad. Despite this setback, Bahrain started with high energy and looked to challenge Egypt’s well-organized defense.
Egypt’s offensive play was spearheaded by Ahmed Hesham, popularly known as “Dodo,” who displayed exceptional skill and agility. His precise shooting and playmaking abilities allowed Egypt to break through Bahrain’s defensive line repeatedly. By halftime, Egypt had secured a 16-11 lead, showcasing their efficiency in both attacking and defensive plays.
Second Half Dominance
The second half saw Egypt amplifying their dominance on the court. Their fast-paced counterattacks and well-coordinated defensive efforts widened the gap between the two teams. Mohamed Sanad and Yehia El-Deraa played pivotal roles in extending Egypt’s lead, making significant contributions both offensively and defensively.
Bahrain attempted to stage a comeback with captain Husain Al-Sayyad leading the charge. However, their efforts were met with a rock-solid Egyptian defense that made scoring difficult. Egypt’s relentless pace and tactical superiority continued to frustrate Bahrain’s players, forcing them into errors and turnovers.
As the match progressed, Egypt’s fitness and endurance became evident, with their ability to maintain high-intensity play proving too much for Bahrain. The final score of 35-24 was a testament to Egypt’s well-rounded performance and their growing confidence in the tournament.
Key Performers and Tactical Analysis
One of the standout performers for Egypt was goalkeeper Karim Hendawy, whose early saves gave his team a strong defensive foundation. His ability to anticipate Bahrain’s shots and block crucial attempts provided Egypt with the upper hand throughout the match.
Ahmed Hesham’s attacking prowess was another highlight, with his ability to penetrate the opposition’s defense and create goal-scoring opportunities proving vital. His coordination with Yehia El-Deraa and Mohamed Sanad allowed Egypt to execute their offensive strategies effectively.
Egypt’s defensive structure, led by veteran players like Ibrahim El-Masry, made it difficult for Bahrain to find open spaces. The team’s ability to switch between man-to-man marking and zone defense left Bahrain struggling to maintain consistent offensive plays.
Bahrain, despite the loss, had moments of brilliance. Captain Husain Al-Sayyad tried to rally his team, scoring key goals and organizing attacking plays. However, the absence of Abdulla Alzaimoor affected their attacking depth, and Egypt’s defensive resilience ultimately overpowered their efforts.
Implications and Future Prospects
With this victory, Egypt moves into the main round of the tournament, reflecting their steady progress and growing status in international handball. Coach Pastor expressed satisfaction with the team’s execution and emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum in the upcoming matches. He acknowledged that while the team had performed well, there were still areas for improvement, particularly in reducing turnovers and maintaining focus in critical moments.
For Bahrain, this defeat places them in a challenging position. With only one match left in the group stage against Argentina, they now face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive. Coach Kristjansson highlighted the need for his team to regroup and improve their tactical execution ahead of their next match. He pointed out that while the team showed moments of promise, they needed to be more clinical in front of goal and avoid defensive lapses.
Tournament Context and Egypt’s Rising Prominence
The IHF World Men’s Handball Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the sport, featuring the world’s top teams vying for international glory. This year’s tournament, co-hosted by Croatia, Denmark, and Norway, has already produced thrilling encounters and unexpected results.
Egypt’s advancement to the main round underscores the growing prominence of African teams in international handball. In recent years, Egypt has emerged as one of the strongest teams outside Europe, consistently challenging traditional powerhouses such as France, Denmark, and Spain. Their impressive performance in the 2021 World Championship, where they reached the quarterfinals and narrowly lost to Denmark in a dramatic penalty shootout, demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest level.
This victory against Bahrain further solidifies Egypt’s reputation as a serious contender in the tournament. With a blend of experienced players and rising talents, they have the depth and quality to push for a deeper run in the competition.
What’s Next for Egypt?
Looking ahead, Egypt will face tougher opponents in the main round. The team will need to continue refining their strategies, particularly in their transition plays and shot accuracy. Their next matches will test their resilience and adaptability against more established teams, and maintaining their defensive discipline will be crucial.
Egypt’s fans will be hoping for another strong performance as the team aims to make history by reaching the semifinals or beyond. With the right mindset and tactical execution, they have the potential to achieve a breakthrough in this year’s championship.
Conclusion
Egypt’s decisive victory over Bahrain not only secures their place in the main round but also sends a strong message to their competitors. With a combination of strategic discipline, skilled players, and strong leadership, the team is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the tournament.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Egypt to see if they can maintain their momentum and continue their impressive run. Their journey in the IHF World Men’s Handball Championship is far from over, and with their current form, they have every reason to believe in their ability to achieve something special.
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