Zamalek edged Ahly 18-17 in an epic struggle on Monday to claim the Egyptian handball league title.

The two had played to a 28-28 draw in the final on Saturday. However, according to the competition’s regulations, a decisive game was needed to determine the champion of the 2020/21 season.

Interestingly, the game, which was held behind closed doors in the Hassan Mustafa Sports Hall which was used for the World Handball Championship in Egypt earlier this year, was officiated by Egyptian female referees Yasmina and Haidi Al-Said. The twins made a strong impression at the Men›s World Handball Championship which was held in Egypt in January.

The first period in Monday’s game had Zamalek leading 11-10 after an entire see-saw first half in which Ahly’s Baher Elbad was injured.

The second period had Ahly take the lead for the first time in the fifth minute. No goals were scored for five consecutive minutes. Zamalek then struck in the18th minute with a go-ahead goal amid several superb saves by the two goalkeepers. A crucial time out for Zamalek in the last second secured them the title.

Egypt’s national team player Ahmed Al-Ahmar was named Player of the Season.

Even though Zamalek won this year’s title, Ahly have won the most league titles, 22. Zamalek are in second with 17 crowns. Gezira and Port Said have three each.

  The writer is a freelance journalist.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 22 April, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly