The Saudi national handball team, known as "Al-Akhdar" (The Green), faces a crucial moment in its journey at the 21st Asian Men's Handball Championship, as all eyes are on its decisive match against Bahrain. This game not only determines who qualifies for the semi-finals of the continental championship, but also carries with it the hopes of qualifying for the 2027 World Championship, placing a great responsibility on the players to fulfill the aspirations of the Saudi fans.

This precarious situation comes after a turbulent run for the Green Falcons in the main round. Following an opening loss to Qatar, one of the tournament favorites, the Saudi team quickly regained their composure and regrouped, securing a valuable and well-deserved victory against the UAE. This win was more than just three points; it revived hopes and restored confidence to the players and coaching staff, confirming their ability to compete strongly for one of the qualifying spots.

Historical background and importance of the tournament

The Asian Men's Handball Championship is the continent's premier event and the primary qualifier for the World Championship, which brings together the world's elite teams. The Saudi national team has always been a formidable force on the Asian stage, boasting a distinguished history of participation, most notably winning the bronze medal on several occasions, most recently in the 2022 edition hosted by the Kingdom. This legacy keeps the Green Falcons in contention and underscores the importance of achieving another milestone to add to their record.

Complex qualification scenarios

The qualification scenarios in the group are complex and depend entirely on the outcome of the "Gulf derby" between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. To guarantee direct passage to the semi-finals, the Green Falcons need to win by at least six goals. A five-goal victory would result in both teams being tied on goal difference, and the tiebreaker would then be the number of goals scored in the tournament. Meanwhile, Qatar has a strong chance of securing qualification with a win against the UAE, leaving the battle for the second qualifying spot to be between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Expected impact and importance of achievement

Reaching the semi-finals and securing a place in the 2027 World Championship is of strategic importance to Saudi Arabian sports. Domestically, this achievement will boost the popularity of handball and inspire a new generation of players, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to develop the sports sector. Internationally, participation in the global tournament provides players with the opportunity to compete against the world's strongest handball schools, contributing to raising the national team's technical and physical level and firmly establishing Saudi Arabian handball on the world stage.

The Saudi national handball team achieved a resounding and well-deserved victory over their Emirati counterparts with a score of 33-19 in their second match of the main round of the 22nd Asian Championship currently being held in Kuwait. This decisive win was more than just three points for the Green Falcons; it rekindled their hopes and reaffirmed their commitment to qualifying for the 2027 World Championship in Germany, confirming their strong presence and serious competition for one of the World Championship spots.

The Saudi national handball team entered the match with high concentration from the opening minutes, fully aware of the importance of winning to compensate for their previous loss. They imposed complete control on the game thanks to a well-organized defense and swift, coordinated attacks. They finished the first half with a comfortable 15-11 lead, following a balanced performance that featured outstanding play from the defense and goalkeeper in thwarting Emirati attempts. In the second half, the Saudi team continued their dominant performance, increasing the pace of the game and significantly widening the gap thanks to lightning-fast counter-attacks and high tactical discipline that unsettled the Emirati team. The match ended with a resounding Saudi victory that reflected the difference in skill and physical fitness between the two teams.

Historical context and importance of the Asian Championship

The Asian Men's Handball Championship, first held in 1977, is the continent's premier handball event, where Asia's elite teams compete not only for the continental title but also for qualification to the World Championship. This edition is doubly important as it serves as the main gateway to the 2027 World Championship, making every match feel like a final, especially in the later stages. Qualifying for the World Championship is a strategic objective for national federations, as it positively impacts the development of the sport domestically, increases its popularity, and raises the national team's international ranking.

The impact of the victory and the future of the Green team in the tournament

This victory comes at an ideal time for the Saudi national team, propelling them back into contention after their opening loss to Qatar in the main round. The win has given the players a tremendous morale boost, demonstrating their ability to overcome setbacks and bounce back strongly. The Green Falcons had already delivered outstanding performances in the first round, topping their group with a perfect record after consecutive victories against strong teams like Japan, Iran, and Australia. Now, all eyes are on the highly anticipated and crucial match between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain next Sunday, a game that will largely determine the Green Falcons' fate in qualifying for the World Cup. A victory is essential to ensure their continued journey towards Germany 2027.

In important statements ahead of the anticipated match in the Saudi Roshan League, the Portuguese coach of Al-Fateh Club, Jose Gomes, highlighted the challenges facing his team, stressing the need for a quick return to winning ways after the recent loss, which he described as “painful”.

During the press conference for the Al-Fayha match, held on Friday, Gomis began by commenting on the previous match result against Al-Kholoud, saying: “The result was unexpected, but that’s football; it rewards those who put in the effort on the pitch.” He added that this setback should motivate the team to perform better in the upcoming match.

Sakala... the most prominent threat in Al-Fayha's ranks

When asked about Al-Fayha, Gomez did not hesitate to identify the most prominent source of danger, saying: “All the teams in the Roshan League are strong, and the most important thing is to focus on our performance. Al-Fayha has a distinguished player, Fashion Sakala, and we will work hard to develop a tactical plan to stop his danger and achieve victory in the match.”.

Zambian striker Fashion Sakala, who came from Scottish club Rangers, is one of the most prominent deals made by Al-Fayha this season, as he is distinguished by his superior speed and ability to exploit spaces in counter-attacks, which Gomez pointed out by saying: “Al-Fayha team relies heavily on quick attacking transitions, so we must be careful and not give them the spaces that Sakala skillfully exploits.”.

The importance of the match in the context of the league

This match takes on added importance for both teams given their positions in the Roshan League standings. Al-Fateh enters the game in tenth place with 21 points, aiming for a victory that would solidify their position in the safe zone and bring them closer to the top teams. Meanwhile, Al-Fayha sits in thirteenth place with 14 points and is desperately seeking all three points to distance themselves from the relegation zone, making this encounter a tactical and psychological battle for both coaches.

A message to the fans and a pledge to work

The Portuguese coach concluded his remarks with a clear message to Al-Fateh fans, pledging to work hard to get back on track. He said, “I promise Al-Fateh fans that we will work hard. We are trying to bounce back after this painful loss, and to be one family on and off the pitch to return to winning ways. We won’t change much tactically, but we will focus on strengthening the fighting spirit and confidence of the players.”.

It is worth mentioning that Al-Fateh will be hosted by Al-Fayha at Al-Majma’ah Sports City Stadium on Sunday evening, at 8:30 PM, as part of the eighteenth round of the Saudi Professional League.