Several teams claim early semi-final spots at IHF Trophy Africa tournaments
15 May. 2024
Tuesday 14 May was the second match day for the youth and junior teams participating in the Men's IHF Trophy Zone 5 Africa in Addis Ababa, and it brought some interesting results.
In the youth (U18) tournament, Burundi were given a 10:0 win against Kenya in Group A, while Djibouti had a day off. With four points, Burundi progressed to the semi-final, while Kenya are set to face Djibouti on Wednesday 15 May at 9:00 (local time). In Group B, Rwanda beat Tanzania 43:17 and are also through to the semi-final, while Ethiopia, who had a rest day, are scheduled to meet Tanzania on day three at 11:00.
In the junior (U20) competition, Rwanda bear Djibouti 46:13, and in the same Group A, Burundi were granted a 10:0 win versus Kenya. So Rwanda and Burundi, who are tied on four points, already booked their tickets to the semi-final before their mutual encounter at 9:00 on Wednesday.
In Group B, Uganda took a 56:21 win over Tanzania, and Ethiopia beat Somalia 50:12. Uganda and Ethiopia both have the maximum of four points after two matches and secured early semi-final spots, before their meeting on day 3 at 13:30. Tanzania and Somalia, who face off at 15:30, will proceed to the placement matches 5-8 regardless of the result.
Day 2 matches were also held at the Men's IHF Trophy Zone 2 Africa, which is staged in Nouakchott. In the youth event, Guinea defeated Sierra Leone 41:27, while Senegal had the upper hand against Mali, 54:17.
Guinea have four points, Senegal and Mauritania are level on two points, while Sierra Leone and Mali are yet to take their maiden points. On Wednesday, Mali meet Mauritania at 17:00, and Sierra Leone face Senegal at 19:00.
And in the junior tournament, Sierra Leone beat Mali 39:32 in Group A, so Sierra Leone and Guinea both have two points, and Mali have no points. In Group B, Senegal downed Gambia 45:19, so Senegal and Mauritania are level on two points and are both through to the semi-final. On day three, Guinea play Mali at 17:00, and Senegal take on Mauritania two hours later.