Bahrain push Serbia close in spirited showing

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain put in their strongest performance yet at the 2025 IHF Men’s Junior World Championship but lost to Serbia 36–32 in their final group game of the President’s Cup in Poland.

With both teams out of contention for the main round, Serbia were eyeing a clean sweep in the group to book a spot in the 17–20 placement matches. Bahrain, however, had other plans. After a disappointing showing against Tunisia earlier in the week, the Asian side came out with renewed intensity.

Early Fightback Not Enough

Serbia’s experience showed in the opening minutes, but Bahrain responded with a 5:1 run to take an early 8–6 lead. However, they couldn’t hold it. Serbia’s 6:1 surge swung momentum back their way as they built a 21–15 cushion by halftime—the biggest lead of the match.

Vukašin Antonijevic and Radan Kovacevic combined for 14 goals for Serbia, but Bahrain refused to fade.

Abdulla Stands Out

Mohamed Abdulla, later named Player of the Match, led Bahrain’s charge with nine goals, supported by Elias Ali’s 10. A 6:1 Bahrain run midway through the second half brought them within two goals at 27–25, setting up a tense final quarter-hour.

But Serbia’s depth told in the end, as they held firm to secure a four-goal victory and top the group.

Elsewhere in President’s Cup

In the other group match, Tunisia beat Saudi Arabia 35–31 to seal second place and move on to the 21–24 placement bracket.

After trailing early, Tunisia’s superior shooting accuracy—84% up to the 53rd minute— proved decisive. Iskander Jafali led the scoring, while Koussay Ben Fraj earned Player of the Match honours.

Saudi Arabia, still winless, will now head to the 25–28 placement matches.