Bahrain Stun Qatar to Book Handball Final Spot

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain booked their place in the men’s handball final at the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games yesterday after a dramatic 31–30 win over Qatar at the Olympic Complex’s Green Hall. The team survived a relentless contest that swung back and forth until the final whistle. It was a performance defined by composure under pressure and standout individual displays, as Bahrain fought their way into tomorrow’s gold-medal match against hosts Saudi Arabia.

The match could hardly have started worse for Bahrain, who fell behind 0–3 within minutes as Qatar’s Ahmad Madadi and Allaedine Berrached struck early. But Ahmed Kadhem’s breakthrough settled the team, and Bahrain began to claw back control. Salman Alshowaikh ignited the turnaround with a flurry of goals, striking twice to level at 4–4 before Hasan Alsamahiji put Bahrain ahead.

The rest of the first half unfolded as a tense exchange of short-lived leads. Mohamed Ahmed, Mohamed Rabia and Mohamed Ali found important openings, while goalkeeper Mohamed Ali produced timely saves to keep Bahrain in reach. By halftime Qatar held a narrow 14–13 advantage, but Bahrain had already shown the resilience that would define the second half.

After the break, Qatar pushed ahead 16–13, yet Bahrain refused to fold. Alshowaikh continued his superb form, Kadhem struck again and Hasan Ali delivered from the wing as Bahrain kept pace. From the 16th minute onward the game became a goal-for-goal exchange. Mohamed Ahmed and Mohamed Mohamed took charge offensively, converting crucial chances whenever Qatar threatened to edge clear. Mohamed Mohamed was particularly clinical, finishing a perfect 4/4.

With the match tied 27–27 entering the closing stages, Bahrain produced the decisive surge. Mohamed Ahmed broke through the defence, Mohamed Mohamed added another composed finish, and Husain Alsayyad struck late to keep Bahrain in front. Qatar responded through Madadi and Amine Gueris, but Bahrain’s defence — supported by 16 saves from Mohamed Ali — held firm.

Bahrain now move on to tomorrow’s final against hosts Saudi Arabia, who defeated the UAE 29–15 in the other semifinal. It sets up a compelling rematch, as Bahrain’s only group-stage defeat came against Saudi in between their victories over Kuwait and Iraq. With momentum restored after their dramatic win over Qatar, Bahrain head into the final determined to overturn that earlier loss and push for gold at Green Hall.