Both sides went into this game knowing they could not progress any further in the 2021 IHF Women’s World Championship with Hungary dealt a hammer blow just an hour before throw-off as Germany beat the Republic of Korea to ensure that even though the Hungarians could match them for points, the head-to-head record would be enough in that event.

For Congo, they are using the remainder of Spain 2021 to gain valuable experience for the team which has only been together since March and an eight-goal loss against an albeit injury-depleted Hungarian side will feel like large-scale progress has been made.

MAIN ROUND GROUP III
Hungary vs Congo 30:22 (16:8)

Yet again, Congo put in a strong second half performance against European opposition, ‘drawing’ the second period (14:14) after a forgettable first half performance, where they converted just 36% of their goal chances.

A number of key players did not start or were missing for Congo with goalkeeper Ruth Kodia, captain Diane Yimga and Neida Divoko all sitting on the bench amongst others and influential line player Sharon Dorson sitting out with an illness.

Hungary coach Golovin Vlagyimir had his own problems though making two changes to an already depleted squad with right back Katrin Klubjer and line player Laura Szabo not in the match squad of 16.

A sensational 4:0 scoring run from Viktoria Lukacs – all fast-breaks – saw Congo coach Younes Tatby take an early time out after (18 mins) with his side 4:11 down, but he would have been impressed not only by the performance from 17-year-old right wing Betchadidelle Ngombele (4 goals in the first half, 7 in total) but by his side able to stem the flow of goals and the difference rising.

With seven fast-breaks at half-time, Hungary were firing but they could only add a further three in the second half as Congo hit back every time the Hungarians scored and Tatby’s side will be relishing the test against the weakest European side in the group, Czech Republic on Sunday.

“We are playing very good teams so we try at the beginning to have a very good feeling of fighting,” said Tatby to ihf.info. “But they get a little stressed about the level of the match and can make mistakes.”

Despite the pre-match disappointment for his side, Hungary coach Vlagyimir was full of optimism going ahead into their final clash, against Korea.

“After two defeats (Denmark, Germany) we won finally, so we are quite satisfied,” said. “I could also give the opportunity to the players who played less in recent matches and we now go forward to our next match.”

hummel Player of the Match: Viktoria Lukacs, Hungary