File Photo: France's Lucas Karabatic fights for the ball with Egypt's pivot Ahmed Adel during handball match between France and Egypt , at the Paris South Arena in Paris. IHF
Despite their remarkable consistency at the highest level - reaching six consecutive quarterfinals since 2019 - the African champions have consistently fallen short against the six-time world champions in World Championships or the Olympic Games.
History offers little comfort for Egypt. The only two times they reached the semifinals (2001 World Championship and 2020 Olympics), it was France who ended their dreams.
"The Egyptian game is very structured, blending power, with their towering players, and a finely tuned style influenced by the Spanish school of thought. We’re expecting a monumental battle," said France’s head coach Guillaume Gille.
Gille’s squad is not underestimating their opponents. Despite a perfect record in the first two rounds—six wins from six, underscoring their growing form—France is keeping a low profile. The sting of their Olympic failure still lingers, and while they are eager to make amends, they know they are yet to face a true test in this tournament.
Egypt battle hardships
Egypt, on the other hand, has already navigated three stern challenges. They opened with an impressive win against Croatia on home soil (28-24), securing top spot in Group H. However, a slip against Iceland (24-27) in the main round opener was followed by a narrow recovery against Slovenia (26-25). Rotating their squad to conserve energy, they labored against a modest Cape Verde side (31-24).
But the Pharaohs are up against it. Under head coach Juan Carlos Pastor, a 2005 World Champion with Spain, Egypt has been beset by injuries to key players, leaving their squad depleted for this decisive clash.
"Despite the injuries, I’m confident," said Khaled Fathy, Egypt’s newly appointed federation president. "We can beat France. Our goal has always been to win a medal."
Injuries have hit Egypt hard. Yahia El-Deraa (Veszprem), Mohab Said Abdelhak (Nîmes), and Hassan Kaddah (Kielce) were ruled out before the tournament. Montpellier’s Ahmed Hesham suffered a knee injury against Croatia and has been sidelined since, leaving Parisian Yahia Omar to lead the offense almost single-handedly, with an impressive tally of 30 goals so far.
Seif El-Deraa of Limoges, Yahia El-Deraa’s younger brother and a key playmaker, along with Mohammad Sanad of Nîmes, are among the few remaining key players, bolstering Egypt’s hopes.
France adjusts to a new era
France, too, has undergone a transformation since their Olympic triumph, adapting to life without icons Nikola Karabatic, Vincent Gérard, and Valentin Porte, all of whom retired. Injuries have also forced adjustments, but the squad seems to be peaking at just the right time.
With 36 goals to his name, Dika Mem has formed a devastating left-handed partnership with Nedim Remili, driving France’s offense. Rising star Thibaut Briet has stepped up impressively, while Elohim Prandi continues his recovery from shoulder surgery in November.
"This quarterfinal promises to be a real test," admitted Luka Karabatic.
Elsewhere in the last eight, Croatia faces Hungary, with the winner set to meet either France or Egypt in the semifinals, while Denmark takes on Brazil, and Portugal faces Germany.
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