Bahrain’s Warriors March On Despite Defeat

National Team Books Place at 2027 Worlds Despite Saudi Victory

Bahrain’s handball team showed poise under pressure in the final main-round match against Saudi Arabia in Kuwait City. Despite a 23–21 defeat, the national squad advanced to the semi-finals of the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship and secured qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship in Germany, marking the Kingdom’s eighth appearance in the global showpiece.

The match at Sheikh Saad Al Abdullah Al Salim Al Sabah Hall opened at a brisk pace, with Saudi Arabia striking first. Captain Hussain Al Sayyad, drawing on his experience in the Saudi league with Al Khaleej, quickly leveled the score and guided Bahrain’s attacks. Qassim Qambar and Mohammed Habib combined effectively on fast breaks, while goalkeeper Mohammed Abdulhussain made crucial saves to keep Bahrain in contention.

Momentum swung several times in the first half. Al Sayyad served a two-minute suspension, giving Saudi a brief edge, while Saudi’s Mohab Khulaif was later sent off for injuring Bahrain’s Salman Alshowaikh, leaving Saudi temporarily one player down. During this tense spell, coach Robert Hedin made key adjustments to stabilize Bahrain’s defense, while Saudi coach Dimitrios Dimitroulias countered with aggressive transitions and accurate seven-metre shooting. Bahrain responded each time, equalizing repeatedly and carrying an 11–10 lead into halftime.

The second half remained intense. Al Sayyad orchestrated Bahrain’s play, including a long-range assist to Jassim Khamis, who struck into an empty net to make it 19–17. The Saudis then rallied in the closing minutes, with a decisive seven-metre strike from Mohammed Al Abbas, who was named man of the match and awarded by Ali Mohammed Isa Abdulla Eshaqi, President of the Bahrain Handball Federation and Vice President of the Asian Handball Federation.

Al Sayyad finished with six goals and four assists, while Abdulhussain’s saves were pivotal. For Saudi, Al Abbas scored seven goals, including a perfect 6/6 from seven metres, complemented by Furaij Hussien’s fast-break strikes.

Bahrain ended the main round with four points, level with Qatar, while Saudi were eliminated on goal difference. Tomorrow, Bahrain’s “warriors” step into the semi-finals, ready to turn resilience into triumph on Asia’s biggest stage.