Latest news with #AliAlFalahi
Daily Tribune
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain fall short against Egypt in U21 World Championship
Bahrain's struggles continued at the IHF Men's U21 World Championship in Poland yesterday, falling 28–19 to a well-drilled Egypt side in Kielce. The result, Bahrain's second defeat in as many games, leaves them without a point heading into their final group fixture against Saudi Arabia. Another slow start proves costly Coming off a bruising 40–19 loss to Spain in the opener, Bahrain approached this match with greater structure and defensive intent. But Egypt's cohesion and physical presence quickly tilted the game in their favour. Bahrain briefly kept within reach in the first half, but Egypt's control of the tempo and cleaner execution in both phases of play allowed them to steadily build a lead. The North Africans moved the ball well through their backcourt and punished turnovers in transition. Bahrain, meanwhile, found chances difficult to come by, with Egypt's defence closing space and forcing long-range efforts. Despite periods of effort and urgency, Bahrain simply lacked the consistency to mount a sustained challenge. All eyes on Saturday With two losses from two, Bahrain now turn their attention to a crucial third group stage match against Saudi Arabia on Saturday (12:45pm Bahrain time). It's a fixture that carries added weight—not only because of regional rivalry, but because a loss would confirm Bahrain's drop into the President's Cup bracket, which ranks teams from 17th to 32nd place. For Ali Al Falahi's team, it's an opportunity to salvage momentum and potentially end the group phase on a positive note. The likes of Ali Redha and Mohammed Ayyad have shown flashes of attacking potential, while Elyas Mohammed and Sayed Mahmood Ali continue to put in work across both ends of the court. But Bahrain will need more from its supporting cast if they are to shift the narrative.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Face Spaniards in Junior Handball World Championship Open
Harsh Draw, Clear Mission The 25th IHF Men's Junior World Championship begins today in Poland, and for Bahrain, the stakes couldn't be higher. Placed in Group H alongside tournament heavyweights Spain and Egypt, as well as Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia, the national U21 side are aiming to reach the main round of the tournament for the first time in their history. It's a tall order. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, and Bahrain's path starts with a daunting opener against Spain in Kielce, followed by Egypt on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 21. Every point matters, and there's little margin for error. The Competition Bahrain begin their campaign against one of the most consistent junior teams in handball. Spain are past champions (2017) and five-time silver medallists. The Spaniards hold a highly structured system with quick ball circulation, and they enter the group as clear favourites. For Bahrain, slowing the tempo and staying composed will be critical if they're to stay competitive. The second test vs Egypt on Thursday is also a tough task. The reigning African champions bring a direct, physical style of play that has caused problems for European sides in recent years. Winners in 1993 and bronze medallists in 1999 and 2019, Egypt often overwhelms teams who fail to match their intensity. Their 13th continental title in 2022, showed they're still a force at junior level, and they'll be eyeing a top-two finish in the group just as much as Spain. If Bahrain are to break new ground, their final group game against Saudi Arabia may well be the key. While not as decorated as their other opponents, Saudi Arabia qualified through the 2024 Asian Championship and have a long history of close matches with Bahrain. One such encounter came in the 2018 Asian Junior Championship, where Bahrain won 29–28. Another close match is expected in Kielce — and this time, a main round berth may hang in the balance. Backing the Next Generation Coach Ali Al Falahi has brought a focus on organisation and patience in attack, building a squad that doesn't shy away from physical contests. Players like Ali Redha, Abbas Hussain and Mohammed Ayyad will be key in Group H. The federation, under president Ali Issa, has backed this development with visible support, including domestic training camps and more preparation leading into Poland. A Chance at History Realistically, Bahrain are underdogs in this group. Both Spain and Egypt have proven quality at this level, and Saudi Arabia's familiarity adds more pressure. But there is a belief that if they can remain composed and clinical, especially in the final third, this could be the year Bahrain makes it to the main round. No team can afford to slip up in Group H. For Bahrain, it's a chance to rewrite their place on the world stage, but it will take three disciplined performances to make that happen.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Face Spaniards in Junior Handball World Championship Opener
Bahrain handball squad making their final preparations Harsh Draw, Clear Mission The 25th IHF Men's Junior World Championship begins today in Poland, and for Bahrain, the stakes couldn't be higher. Placed in Group H alongside tournament heavyweights Spain and Egypt, as well as Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia, the national U21 side are aiming to reach the main round of the tournament for the first time in their history. It's a tall order. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, and Bahrain's path starts with a daunting opener against Spain in Kielce, followed by Egypt on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 21. Every point matters, and there's little margin for error. The Competition Bahrain begin their campaign against one of the most consistent junior teams in handball. Spain are past champions (2017) and five-time silver medallists. The Spaniards hold a highly structured system with quick ball circulation, and they enter the group as clear favourites. For Bahrain, slowing the tempo and staying composed will be critical if they're to stay competitive. The second test vs Egypt on Thursday is also a tough task. The reigning African champions bring a direct, physical style of play that has caused problems for European sides in recent years. Winners in 1993 and bronze medallists in 1999 and 2019, Egypt often overwhelms teams who fail to match their intensity. Their 13th continental title in 2022, showed they're still a force at junior level, and they'll be eyeing a top-two finish in the group just as much as Spain. If Bahrain are to break new ground, their final group game against Saudi Arabia may well be the key. While not as decorated as their other opponents, Saudi Arabia qualified through the 2024 Asian Championship and have a long history of close matches with Bahrain. One such encounter came in the 2018 Asian Junior Championship, where Bahrain won 29–28. Another close match is expected in Kielce — and this time, a main round berth may hang in the balance. Backing the Next Generation Coach Ali Al Falahi has brought a focus on organisation and patience in attack, building a squad that doesn't shy away from physical contests. Players like Ali Redha, Abbas Hussain and Mohammed Ayyad will be key in Group H. The federation, under president Ali Issa, has backed this development with visible support, including domestic training camps and more preparation leading into Poland. A Chance at History Realistically, Bahrain are underdogs in this group. Both Spain and Egypt have proven quality at this level, and Saudi Arabia's familiarity adds more pressure. But there is a belief that if they can remain composed and clinical, especially in the final third, this could be the year Bahrain makes it to the main round. No team can afford to slip up in Group H. For Bahrain, it's a chance to rewrite their place on the world stage, but it will take three disciplined performances to make that happen.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain aim for historic main round berth at junior world championship
The 25th edition of the IHF Men's Junior (U21) World Championship gets underway tomorrow (June 18) in Poland, featuring 32 teams from five continents competing across five cities: Katowice, Sosnowiec, Kielce, Płock, and Gdansk. Bahrain's U21 squad begins their campaign in Kielce, where all Group H matches will be played at the Hala Legionów. Group H Challenge Bahrain faces a challenging preliminary round in Group H, drawn alongside European giants Spain, African champions Egypt, and regional rivals Saudi Arabia. The team will play three matches in four days. Only the top two teams from each preliminary group will advance to the main round (June 23–26), where they will be regrouped into four new pools. Results from matches against fellow qualifiers carry over, adding weight to every group stage encounter. Teams that do not advance will enter the President's Cup bracket to determine rankings from 17th to 32nd. Squad Built on Promise The Bahrain Handball Federation has named a 16-man squad led by head coach Ali Al Falahi. The full squad includes: Ali Redha, Abbas Hussain, Mohammed Ayyad, Ahmed Al Fardan, Ali Al Madani, Elyas Mohammed, Maitham Ahmed, Abdulla Sameer, Hussain Shawqi, Sayed Mohammed Ali, Sayed Mahmood Ali, Mahmood Jaleel, Salman Al Showaikh, Mohammed Maitham, Sayed Hussain Fadhel, and Mohammed Shamloh. Backed by federation president Ali Issa, who addressed the team during a local training session prior to departure, the squad has undergone domestic preparations aimed at sharpening match readiness. They departed Bahrain on June 16 and are now finalizing preparations in Poland ahead of tomorrow's opener. Nation on the Rise Bahrain's junior handball team has shown consistent advancement on the world stage, debuting with a joint 17th-place finish in Argentina in 1995. After returning in 2019 following a third-place finish at the 2018 Asian Championship, the squad achieved its best-ever result of 13th place in the 2023 championship held in Germany and Greece. This upward trend reflects Bahrain's growing maturity in mentally composed players ready to compete beyond the Asian circuit. The 2025 squad aims for a top-12 finish or better. The continuity from youth to senior levels is crucial, especially following the narrow 25–26 loss Bahrain's senior team suffered against Argentina in the 2025 Men's World Championship. Coaching Vision and Federation Support Head coach Ali Al Falahi has emphasized a playing philosophy centered on structure, patience in attack, and physical resilience. The Bahrain Handball Federation's direct support, especially from president Ali Issa, highlights a long-term commitment to developing handball in the kingdom. With strong domestic preparation, federation backing, and a squad of rising talent, Bahrain approaches this year's Junior World Championship with cautious optimism and the belief that a breakthrough to the main round is within reach.
