Bahrain Break Through the Barrier
First win in Cairo keeps spirits alive despite exit from main round
After back-to-back defeats to Japan (32-30) and Egypt (36-28), Bahrain's U19s hopes of reaching the main round at the 11th IHF Men's Youth World Championship had already been dashed. But yesterday at Cairo Stadium, the Bahrainis refused to go quietly, battling past South Korea 36-33 in front of 4,000 fans to claim their first win of the tournament.
Fast Start, Firm Finish
Coached by Raed Al Marzouq and assisted by Ahmed Tarada, Bahrain led 16-13 at halftime and never relinquished control. Their attack clicked from all angles — 67% shooting efficiency on 54 attempts — and they punished Korea with a 16/23 breakthrough success rate. Playmaker Abbas Ali was flawless (9/9), while Mohamed Aadam's seven goals from the line were a constant menace. Salman Al Showaikh was named man of the match after scoring 8 goals from 9 attempts, including six from the backcourt. He has been Bahrain's top performer throughout Group G.
Korea's Resistance
Korea, also destined for the President's Cup bracket, kept the game tight thanks to Kang Juhyeon (8/15) and Ju Yongchan (5/6). Yet their 53% attack efficiency and occasional defensive lapses against Bahrain's wing play proved costly. Goalkeeper Hong Uiseok's 11 saves offered brief reprieve but couldn't turn the tide.
Stat Sheet Story
Bahrain's team shooting chart read like a coach's dream: perfect from the penalty line (4/4), 78% from the wings (7/9), and 100% on fastbreaks (1/1). Korea's backcourt fired more often but finished at 43% from 9 metres. Haider Salman's 13 saves anchored Bahrain's defense, most of them at critical junctures in the second half.
What's Next
With qualification out of reach, Bahrain now turn to the President's Cup, where placement from 17th–32nd remains at stake. For a young side that's been through narrow losses and heavy pressure, this first taste of victory could be the catalyst for a strong finish.
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