Bahrain’s Warriors Trash Japan to Reach Asian Final

TDT | Manama

Email : Hasan@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s men’s handball team booked their place in the final of the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship with a 35–25 victory over Japan in Kuwait City. Both teams had already secured qualification for the 2027 IHF Men’s Handball World Championship in Germany, but the semi-final offered a route to the continental showpiece, and the “warriors” delivered a dominant performance. Bahrain will take on the Qataris in the final, buoyed with confidence after having already defeated them in the preliminary rounds.

Yesterday’s first half saw Bahrain rely heavily on Mohammed Habib Nasser, who carried the attacking load early on. He levelled the score at 7–7 in the 12th minute and soon after converted from seven metres to make it 10–8. Captain Hussain Al Sayyad endured an unusually quiet opening period but produced a crucial counterattack to stretch the lead to 11–8. Japan responded through Nakata and Ishida, yet Bahrain maintained control through further strikes from Habib and Jassim Khamis. Behind them, goalkeeper Mohammed Abdulhussain was outstanding, making seven first-half saves to help secure a 17–14 advantage at the break, even as Japan threatened with their well-known ability to mount comebacks.

The second half belonged entirely to Robert Hedin’s side. Khamis struck early, while Al Sayyad grew increasingly influential, throwing himself into defensive blocks and urging his teammates on. Abdulhussain produced a succession of spectacular saves, including one that struck him in the face mid-play, yet he continued unfazed, visibly frustrating the Japanese attack. Bahrain steadily pulled away as Habib, Khamis, Hassan Madan, Qassim Qamber, Mohamed Rabeea, and Ahmed Kadhem stretched the margin to double digits midway through the half.

Habib Nasser led the scoring with nine goals, Khamis added seven, and Madan chipped in with three, while Abdulhussain’s 16 saves deservedly earned him the man-of-the-match honours.

Bahrain will now face defending champions Qatar in tomorrow’s final at 6pm after the Qataris edged hosts Kuwait in a pulsating extra-time semi-final. Japan, meanwhile, will contest the bronze-medal match against Kuwait at 4pm, bringing the championship to an exciting conclusion. All matches are taking place at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah Covered Halls.