Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has praised Egypt’s performance against Denmark despite its loss in a dramatic quarter-final game in the 2021 World Handball Championship.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, El-Sisi praised the “honorable performance” by the Pharaohs, adding that they displayed great spirit until the final whistle.
Egypt lost the game 39-38 to holders Denmark after the action-packed game needed penalties to be settled.
The national team was within touching distance of causing a huge upset after two overtimes in a marathon contest, having led 35-34 with only a few seconds remaining.
However, Ibrahim El-Masri was penalised for a needless foul as the referee sent him off and awarded Denmark a penalty after time had ended, which they converted to force a shootout.
Denmark prevailed in the shootout after Egypt's veteran player Ahmed El-Ahmar and Ali Zein wasted their efforts, erupting in joy after being given a run for their money by their less fancied opponents.
Egypt missed out on emulating their 2001 feat when they reached the semis before eventually finishing fourth in France for their best ever result in the World Championship.
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