In a thrilling final at the Palais des Sports Hamou Boutlelis in Oran, Algeria, the Pharaohs overcame Guinea 25-22, securing not only their first continental crown but also qualification for the upcoming World Championship.
The tournament, from 6 to 13 September, was organised under the auspices of the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) and was twinned with the continental phase of the International Handball Federation Challenge Trophy. It brought together the continent’s most promising young talents, with Egypt placed in a challenging group alongside Guinea, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Zambia.
From the outset, Egypt displayed dominance and consistency, beginning their campaign with a commanding 43-22 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. They followed that up with another emphatic 40-17 triumph against Zambia, before producing a comprehensive 44-17 victory over Burkina Faso. The group stage concluded with a hard-fought 26-22 win over Tunisia, sealing a flawless record.
The semi-final against Angola, one of the giants of African handball, was a stern test of the Pharaohs’ resilience. In a nail-biting contest, the Egyptians held their nerve to clinch a 26-25 win, booking a historic place in the final.
The decisive clash with Guinea was a showcase of tactical discipline and determination, with Egypt managing the crucial moments superbly to emerge victorious 25-22, sparking celebrations that will resonate for years to come.
The winning squad was composed of some of Egypt’s brightest rising stars: Jihad Wa’el, Jana Noureddin, Jidaa Kamel, Judy Mohamed, Noha Ihab, Shahd Safieddin, Sama Yamen, Jana Mahmoud, Shorouk Mahmoud, Judy Walid, Salma Osama, Basma Ahmed, Roqaya Yasser, Sarmada Daabes, Nada Tamer, Malak Taha, Jana Yasser, and Malak Amr.
Their efforts were guided by a dedicated technical team led by head coach Helmi Mosbah, with the support of assistant coach Ahmed Abdel-Gawad, team manager Menna Allah Karam, physiotherapist Diana Yehia, goalkeeper coach Mohamed Abdel-Moneim, and performance analyst Mohamed Kamal.
Following the final, board member of the Egyptian Handball Federation and head of the delegation in Algeria Amr Fathi expressed his “immense pride” in the team’s historic achievement. He praised the players’ resilience, unity, and exceptional skill, describing the victory as a landmark moment for Egyptian handball.
Fathi noted that winning the African title for the first time in history was not only a reward for the team’s hard work but also a testament to the federation’s commitment to developing women’s handball. He added that qualifying for the World Championship was a big responsibility that will demand even greater dedication and effort in the coming months.
President of the Egyptian Handball Federation Khaled Fathi echoed the same sentiments, congratulating the players and staff on their “remarkable accomplishment”. Fathi emphasised that the young women had set an example of excellence across African courts, “proving their extraordinary talent and determination”. He affirmed that the federation remains committed to supporting the team as it prepares to represent Egypt on the world stage.
Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the squad and its technical staff. He described the triumph as a continuation of the great successes of Egyptian sport, made possible, he said, by the support of the political leadership and the state’s investment in its athletes. The minister highlighted that the victory reflects the progress of the Egyptian handball system “and embodies the determination of Egyptian youth to raise their country’s name high across continental and international competitions”.
Sobhi pledged that the ministry will spare no effort in ensuring the team receives full support in their preparations for the World Championship, with the aim of achieving new accomplishments worthy of Egypt’s reputation.
The World Championship will be held from 24 June to 5 July in a city yet to be determined.
The landmark victory represented far more than a trophy. It signals the rise of women’s handball in Egypt, a sport that has often been overshadowed by the men’s game but is now stepping into the spotlight. The federation’s strategic decision to prioritise the development of women’s handball is bearing fruit, and the journey to Algeria has shown the rewards of rigorous training, international exposure and unrelenting commitment. With the African crown secured, the Pharaohs now look ahead to the World Championship, where they will test themselves against the best teams across the globe.
As Egypt prepares for this next chapter, the triumph in Oran will remain a defining moment, not only for the players and their coaches but also for the nation’s sporting history. It is a victory that lifted a trophy, lifted hopes, and lifted the profile of women’s handball in Egypt, inspiring a new generation to dream bigger and reach higher.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 18 September, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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