Egypt improved their chances to secure a top-5 finish at the 2025 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, with a dominating 47:26 win over Egypt and will face Iceland on Sunday, which had a 37:36 win over Hungary im the Placement Matches 5-8.

Placement Matches 5–8
Norway vs Egypt 26:47 (14:23)

After narrow and exhausting quarter-final defeats, both Norway and Egypt were eager to bounce back, but only the hosts managed to handle the pressure effectively. Once Egypt took a three-goal lead early on, they began a dominant stretch that completely disrupted Norway’s game.  

Key saves from Moustafa Bayoumi and a standout performance by Mohamed Abdelhady allowed Egypt to build momentum. Norway struggled to cope, falling behind 6:14 and enduring nearly seven minutes without scoring. The mounting problems forced Norway to call two time-outs within just eight minutes in search of solutions.  

Lukas Ueland came on in goal for the Nordic side and produced some solid saves, but Egypt’s powerful backcourt shooting and Norway’s lack of defensive organisation maintained the large deficit. By half-time, the attacking efficiency told the story: Egypt at 72%, Norway at only 44%.  

Egypt extended their lead to double digits immediately after the restart and remained in complete control. When Omar Baraka scored on a fast break to make it 30:17, the hosts were cruising, and Norway could only aim to avoid a heavier defeat. However, the gap continued to grow.  

Egypt showed no signs of slowing down, reaching the 40-goal mark with ten minutes remaining. They ultimately finished with an impressive 47 goals, cheered on by their home crowd. Eleven outfield players found the net, with Hamza Abdalla scoring nine goals and Ahmed Mohammed adding seven. Norway’s top scorer was Edvard Aasberg-Andreassen with five goals.  

Egypt will now play for 5th place on Sunday, a position they previously achieved in 2007 and 2011, having also finished sixth in 2005. Norway will contest the match for 7th place, aiming to match or improve on their 7th-place finish at Croatia 2023. They also placed 8th in 2009.  

Player of the Match: Hamza Abdalla (Egypt)  

Hungary vs Iceland 36:37 (17:17)  

A rivalry well known at senior level delivered another thrilling chapter at youth level, as Hungary and Iceland played out a fast-paced and evenly matched contest. Hungary struck first, creating a small 4:2 lead, but Iceland quickly adjusted their compact 5–1 defence to draw level at 6:6 by the 10th minute.  

The deadlock continued until the 20th minute, when two consecutive missed Hungarian attacks allowed Iceland to take advantage, moving ahead 12:10 through Dagur Árni Heimisson. Hungary had their chances to respond, with goalkeeper László Várady-Szabó making important saves, but their attack lacked precision.  

Just before halftime, László Szökrényes gave Hungary a timely boost with a goal for 15:15, and although Iceland had opportunities to widen the gap, the Hungarian defence held firm. The sides headed into the break tied at 17:17.  

Hungary started the second half well, briefly regaining a two-goal cushion, but Iceland responded with strong defence and sharp attacking play. A spell of six consecutive missed Hungarian attacks proved costly, allowing Iceland to build a 30:25 lead.  

Then came a dramatic turnaround. Várady-Szabó produced a brilliant four-minute spell with five consecutive saves, including a double stop from each wing, helping Hungary close the gap to 30:31. The final minutes were intense, with Iceland restoring a small buffer and Hungary switching to a 3–2–1 defence in a last push. Despite the pressure, Iceland kept their composure and claimed a narrow victory.  

Iceland will face Egypt for seventh place, aiming to secure their second-best finish in five IHF Men’s Youth World Championship appearances. Hungary will meet Norway in the match for eighth place, looking to match their 2019 result.  

Player of the Match: Marel Baldvinsson (Iceland)