18th Asian Men’s Handball Championship: Saudi Arabia dashes Oman hopes of a semifinal berth

Action from the match between Saudi Arabia and Oman on Tuesday
Muscat Daily staff writer
January 24, 2018

Oman's hopes of a semifinal berth and a place in the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship were dashed on Tuesday when it lost to last edition's semifinalists Saudi Arabia 20-26 in a Group 1 match of the main round at the 18th Asian Men's Handball Championship in Suwon, South Korea.

It was the second successive loss for Oman in the main round. Hosts South Korea's 28-25 win against Iran in the later match of the day finalised the two teams that progressed into the semifinals from Group 1. Saudi Arabia topped the group on better goal-difference.

On Tuesday, it was a must-win game for Oman if it had to harbour any hopes of advancing to semis following its loss to South Korea on Monday.

Oman, coached by Egyptian Mohammed Abd Elmoety, suffered a blow ahead of the Saudi clash as its in-form player and inspirational captain, Nasser al Tamtami, was ruled out due to an injury he suffered in the match against the hosts on Monday.

Handball

Oman’s Hamed al Dughaishi attempts to score a goal against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday

Hamed al Dughaishi (seven goals) stood out in the first half against the Saudis as Oman fought hard to go into the break trailing 10-13. However, a red card to Taher al Hadidi in the post-interval session, and injury to regular goalkeeper, Azan Ali al Azan, made it only difficult for Oman against a strong rival. Asaad al Hassani (five goals) was the other main scorer for Oman.

Oman will conclude its group engagement with Iran on Wednesday with a win ensuring a third-place group finish.

Both Iran and Oman have yet to open their account in the main round and a win on Monday will keep hopes for both for a top-five finish.

The third-placed Group 1 team will take on the third-place team from Group 2 in the fifth place playoff while a loss for Oman against Iran will mean a clash with UAE for the seventh place playoff game.

In Group 2, defending champion Qatar beat Bahrain 29-21 while Japan routed UAE 27-20. Bahrain and Japan will clash to decide the other semifinalist from the group with Qatar securing its place in the semis.