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The Nairobian

TUNISIA TUMBLE: Spain bundle African representatives out of Men's Handball World Championships

Sports

By REBECCA GICHANA in DOHA | Jan 27, 2015

Amine Bannour of Tunisia (C) attempts to score past Jorge Maqueda of Spain (R) during the round of 16 match of the 24th men's handball World Championship in Doha January 25, 2015. REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad (QATAR - Tags: SPORT HANDBALL)

Tunisia were bundled out of the ongoing 24th Edition of Men’s Handball World Championship here in Qatar after succumbing 28-20 to Spain at Lusail Multipurpose Hall on Sunday evening.

With the results, Spain remain unbeaten in the competition. Africa’s only hope in the event is Egypt who will take on unbeaten Germany in another quarter-final encounter today.

Qatar also booked a slot in the quarters after defeating Austria 29-27 as Slovenia beat Macedonia 30-28 to qualify for the quarters as Croatia defeated Brazil 26-25.

Spain went into the match with an advantage of emerging the top of group A with unbeaten run compared to their opponents Tunisia who managed to finish fourth in group B.

Spain, who are also the defending champions, started the match strongly, taking a 4-0 lead after five minutes of play.

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Tunisia’s veteran pivot, Issam Tej, who plays for French side Montpellier HB, missed a fast break to narrow the gap, thereby allowing their opponents to hold onto the lead.

The North Africans were forced to seek their first technical time-out to reorganise themselves as they were trailing 4-0.

In the eighth minute, Mahmood Gharbi scored Tunisia’s first goal of the match to make matters 4-1.

After 12 minutes of play, the defending champions widened their lead to 8-4 with Spain’s young goalkeeper, Gonzalo Sierra blocking shots to deny Tunisia begging scoring chances.

In the first quarter, Spain opened their lead by five scores 9-4. After 20 minutes of play, Spain opened the lead to 12-5 to leave their opponents napping.

Trailing by 11 goals (18-9), trying to catch up with the champions proved an uphill task for Tunisia with only two minutes to the break .

After the break, it was Spain who made to quick scores to maintain the led with Tunisia scoring one to make matters 20-10 after 33 minutes of play.

Tunisia’s goalkeeper Marouen Maggaiz pulled a couple of saves to enable his team narrow down the lead to 21-14 and give their fans one more reason to light up the arena with cheers ten minutes into the second half.

With only four minutes remaining on the final whistle, Spain showed their prowess leading by eight goals (27-17) to keep alive their intentions of retaining the world title. [email protected]