Captain Fantastic!

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain edged closer to the semi-finals of the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship with a stunning 31–28 win over defending champions Qatar in Kuwait City. Unlike their previous dominant double-digit wins, this match truly tested the nationals, with captain Hussain Al Sayyad stepping up to deliver an outstanding 11 goals. The result has put Bahrain just one win away from securing a semi-final spot and automatic qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship in Germany, while also extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to five matches.

Yesterday’s match started at a blistering pace, and from the first whistle, the Bahrainis set the tone. Mohammed Habib Nasser struck early, giving Bahrain a 7–3 lead by the eighth minute, with goalkeeper Mohammed Abdulhussain producing vital saves to keep Qatar at bay. But the reigning champions responded, and by the 16th minute the score was level at 7–7. Skipper Hussain Al Sayyad then steadied his side, scoring vital goals as the first half ended 12–12. His influential performance later awarded him the man-of-the-match honors.

The second half saw Robert Hedin’s men gradually seize control. Qassim Qambar opened the scoring, followed by Al Sayyad and Habib Nasser combining on fast breaks to stretch Qatar’s defence. By the 13-minute mark, Bahrain led 25–21 and maintained the advantage for the remainder of the match. Al Sayyad finished with a remarkable 11 goals, while Qassim Qambar was flawless, converting all six of his shots. For Qatar, Ahmed Mohamed and Frankis Marzo tried to keep their side in contention, but Bahrain’s composure and all-round performance proved too decisive.

Coach Robert Hedin had promised that the nationals “still have more in store for the remaining teams,” and the squad delivered. Bahrain now turn their attention to tomorrow’s final main round match against Saudi Arabia at 4 pm, again at Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salim Al Sabah Hall. A win there victory would seal their spot in the semi-finals and punch their ticket to next year’s worlds.