Handball: Egypt reach World Championship quarters after 25-25 draw with Slovenia

Ahram Online , Sunday 24 Jan 2021

Egypt come from four goals down to snatch a draw with Slovenia and book their place in the World Championship last eight

Egypt
Handball - 2021 IHF Handball World Championship - Main Round Group 4 - Slovenia v Egypt - Cairo Stadium Hall 1, Cairo, Egypt - January 24, 2021 Egypt players celebrate after the match REUTERS

Hosts Egypt qualified for the World Championship quarterfinal after staging a comeback to draw 25-25 with Slovenia in an exciting match in Cairo on Sunday.

Slovenia goalkeeper Klemen Ferlin made life hard for Egypt in the first half, at one point enjoying a save percentage of more than 50 percent as the Europeans were largely in control.

Down 12-8 at halftime, the Pharaohs roared back in style in the second half, with Mohamed Sanad, Yehia El-Deraa and keeper Mohamed El-Tayar leading their comeback.

Sanad gave Egypt their first lead after 40 minutes when they went 17-16 up as they made the most of a two-minute suspension of a Slovenian player to score three goals without reply.

Egypt are now on top of their main-round group with seven points, one ahead of Sweden who can reclaim top spot if they beat Russia later on Sunday.

Should Sweden finish on top, runners-up Egypt will likely face Denmark in a mouthwatering quarter-final clash.
 

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