Egypt has made history by becoming the first non-European team to win the U19 handball world championship since it was first held in 2005.
The Pharaohs have been hailed by Egyptian President Abdel-fattah al-Sisi for a “heroic performance” by all members and there is no doubt the world champions will be flying home proud after defeating Germany in the finals.
Within the opening minutes they took an early winning position with a 6-3 lead as they fiercely pushed through to extend that lead to 19-13 to end the first-half. After such a great start to the match, the Pharaohs didn’t have such an easy beginning to the second-half. They were unable to score any goals in the opening minutes with Germany coming back strong by scoring three goals.
As the pressure started to grow with the end of game looming, Egypt managed to push back to a 28-23 lead with only 10 minutes remaining. Germany’s domination over the second half was admirable but, Egypt still managed to maintain their lead, winning the game 32-28. Egypt’s Ahmed Hesham was also crowned as the best handballer in the championship.
They were warm;y congratulated by the Egyptian president, who stated that “They have become a role model for power of determination, persistence and achievement of victories”. The Pharaohs have become only the fifth team to win the competition since its inception alongside Denmark, France, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro.
