Qatar Snatch Win as Bahrain Fade After the Break

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain's national junior handball team reached the final of the UAE International Youth Friendly Championship despite a narrow 31-30 defeat by Qatar in Dubai on Monday.

Bahrain finished second in the preliminary round on goal difference ahead of hosts the UAE, setting up another meeting with Qatar for the title at Shabab Al Ahli Club's hall in Al Mamzar.

The national team led 16-15 at half-time after a strong first-half display, but Qatar fought back after the break and edged ahead in the closing minutes to finish top of the four-team table.

Bahrain ended the round-robin stage with one win, one draw and one defeat. They opened their campaign with a 35-35 draw against the UAE, then beat Oman 40-33 before losing by a single goal to Qatar.

The friendly tournament, organised by the UAE Handball Federation in co-operation with Shabab Al Ahli Club, features Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman. The teams played each other once in the preliminary round, with the top two advancing to the final.

The UAE claimed their first win of the tournament in Monday's other match, beating Oman 29-28. Oman ended the preliminary round without a win.

Bahrain are using the Dubai tournament as part of their build-up to the 19th Asian Men's Junior Handball Championship, which will be held in China next month.

The national team, led by Bahraini coach Hussam Madan, are seeking to sharpen their technical and physical readiness, improve understanding between the players and gain stronger match practice before the Asian contest.

Bahrain have been drawn in Group A with China, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong. They will open their Asian Championship campaign on July 15 against hosts China.