Egypt lose out on men’s handball bronze after agonizing loss to Spain

Egypt lose out on men’s handball bronze after agonizing loss to Spain
Egypt's left back Ahmed Mohamed (C) is challenged by Spain's centre back Raul Entrerrios (back) during the men's bronze medal handball match between Egypt and Spain of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (File/AFP)
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Updated 07 August 2021
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Egypt lose out on men’s handball bronze after agonizing loss to Spain

Egypt lose out on men’s handball bronze after agonizing loss to Spain
  • The Pharaohs have been outstanding at Tokyo 2020 but will depart without reward despite a brave effort in bronze medal match 

DUBAI: Egypt agonizingly missed out on a bronze medal in the men’s handball competition at Tokyo 2020 after a 33-31 loss to Spain at Yoyogi National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Pharaohs have been outstanding at Tokyo 2020 but will depart without reward despite a brave effort in their last match of the competition. 

The fixture started evenly, and a penalty scored by the outstanding veteran Ahmed El-Ahmar saw the match finely balanced at 7-7 at the midway point of the first half.

The last third of the first half saw a flurry of goals with Spain leading 19-16 at the break.

Having tired towards the end of the first half, Egyptians started the second with renewed energy and within six minutes had tied the match at 21-21.

Egyptian Goalkeeper Mohamed El-Tayar was having a fine game, but a period of all-out attack saw them concede two quick-fire goals to fall 23-21 behind with just over two-thirds of the second period left.

Spain maintained their superiority for the rest of the match and led 30-28 with a minute left.

With 45 seconds remaining, Gedeon Guardiola was sent off, but Egypt failed to take full advantage of the 2-minute power play. Both teams exchanged attacks that left Spain hanging on to a 33-31 lead by the final whistle.

The Egyptian players collapsed in exhaustion and disappointment at the end of the fixture but can be proud of a campaign that has captured the hearts of fans back home as well as handball fans around the world.