African Youth Handball Championships: Tunisia, Egypt win as Kenya fall to Angola

BY REBECCA GICHANA

Action between Kenya and Angola yesterday. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

Kenya lost their opening match  28-18 against Angola as the 9th edition of the African Youth Handball Championships threw off yesterday.

In the fourth minute of the match, both teams had two goals each but Angola used their speed to counter their opponents and experience in defense to widen the lead in the tenth minute  by four goals.

Angola capitalised on the home team mistakes to take a 10-6 lead into the first half.  On resumption, both teams intensified attacks but Angola seemed to be at the better  side with the home team wasting many scoring  chances.

In other matches, Tunisia beat Niger 40-18, while Egypt defeated Guinea 38-21 in the second match as the week-long  championship started yesterday at the Safaricom Kasarani Indoor Arena. Tunisia, who  showed early signs to grab a ticket to the Olympic Championship in China later this year, started the match on a high note, leading 7-0 in the first minutes of the half which ended 19-7.

Niger failed to impress their president Mme Oumou Traore who was watching from the terraces as her team succumbed to the humiliating defeat.

Niger, who were poor at shooting,  conceded many penalties after committing fouls outside the goal area.

Tunisia head coach Hassen Mounir told FeverPitch it was an easy match adding there are three teams that will give a run for their money.

Left handed Ayari Mohamed, who was a thorn in the flesh of Niger defence, emerged the top scorer during the match with nine goals to his name, while Niger’s Garba Souleymane managed six for Niger.

“This was a very easy match. Our opponents made very many mistakes and my aggressive team capitalised on this. I am happy with the way the boys played and I’m looking forward for the next match against Algeria. I am seeing only three teams that will give us stiff competition in the championship but hope for the best,” said Mounir.

Niger captain Abdoul Keita said Tunia beat us due to their experience.

“Our team was so weak from the start and fielding of inexperienced players contributed to our misery.

“They played with much experience,” said the captain.

He added: “We will work on the mistakes made during our first match to make sure we win our next encounter. Tunisia is a  strong side.”     

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