The Pharaohs are in the World Cup quarter-finals

CAIRO-24 January 2021: Egypt men’s handball national team was held to a 25-25 draw by Slovenia, but the point was enough for the Pharaohs to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

The Pharaohs were behind in the first half by four goals but the hosts did not give up and fought back in the second half to secure a draw.

Yehia Khaled, Mohamed Sanad, Yehia El-Deraa and the goalkeeper Mohamed El-Tayar led Egypt’s comeback after putting on a strong performance in the second half.

Egypt’s winger Ali Zaen, commented on his team’s achievement, saying “At half time, the coach told us to be calm and play our game to overturn the score and that is what we did. We were close from winning the match but we are happy with the result as we booked a spot in the quarter-finals.”  

The Egyptians have a chance to reach the second round as group leaders if the Russian Handball Federation managed to defeat Sweden tonight.

Egypt aims to finish first in the group to avoid facing the defending champions, Denmark, who are likely to finish atop of its group.