(PHOTO COURTESY OF EGYPTIAN HANDBALL FEDERATION)
Egyptian handball team claimed third place in the friendly tournament, Yellow Cup, held in Switzerland.
Four teams participated in the tournament: Belarus, Russia, Egypt and hosts, Switzerland.
Egypt’s first game against the Russian powerhouse on Friday ended in a draw, both teams scoring 31 goals. The Pharaohs were ahead 31-28 until the last three minutes of the game; the Russians then drew during the last minute of the game. On the same day, Switzerland defeated Belarus 31-25.
Egypt lost to champions Belarus on Saturday 29-26, while Russia showed domination during their game with Switzerland and won 35-31.
In the last game of the tournament, the Egyptians team defeated its Swiss counterpart 28-27. Belarus also beat Russia by one goal, 30-29.
The results meant that Belarus won the tournament with four points. Russia came in second place with three points, the same number of points was claimed by Egypt; however, the goal difference resulted in the Pharaohs coming in third place. Switzerland claimed only two points leaving them in last place.
Egyptian player Ali Zein topped the charts with 22 goals, scoring one more goal than Belarusian Siarhei Rutenka.
Egypt holds a reputable history in handball, being the first non-European team to reach the World Championship semi-finals in the 2001 tournament that was held in France.
The team’s latest notable achievement was finishing in third place behind Tunisia and Algeria in the 2012 African Championship, which was held in Morocco.
