Montenegro secured their maiden appearance in the final of the IHF Women's Youth World Championship, after a hard-fought semi-final against Denmark, clinching a 27:25 win.

Semi-final
Denmark vs Montenegro 25:27 (11:17)

Denmark struggled to cope with Montenegro's intensity throughout the opening half, showing few signs of the handball that had carried them to the semi-finals, although their path through the tournament had been far from smooth.

Montenegro took control early, opening a three-goal lead after just 10 minutes, while Denmark's attacking problems continued to grow. By the 22nd minute, Sofie Hansen had scored all five of Denmark's goals, with the Scandinavians enduring two lengthy scoreless spells between the 10th and 16th minute and again from the 16th to the 21st.

Montenegro punished every mistake, turning strong defence into quick goals in transition. Backed by an outstanding 76% attacking efficiency, Andrea Draganić scored to open the first double-digit lead of the match in the 21st minute, with the Balkan side eventually stretching the gap to 11 goals.

Denmark finally found some rhythm in the closing five minutes of the half, reeling off a 5:0 unanswered run to reduce the deficit to six before the break, with Dajla Hodžić leading the response.

The Danes carried that momentum into the second half, spurring a 4:0 run between the 33rd and 37th minute to close the gap to 18:15. Montenegro suddenly found themselves facing similar problems that had troubled Denmark before the break, scoring only three goals between the 25th and 38th minute.

As their defence began to falter and the saves dried up, Thilde Ladegaard Skov continued to shine between the posts, inspiring Denmark's comeback to 22:20. Montenegro survived another scare in the 55th minute when Caroline Mano Todsen netted her seventh goal to make it 25:24.

Denmark stayed within touching distance, but a series of rushed attacks in the closing minutes denied them the equaliser. Montenegro entered the final minute in possession hoping to run down the clock, only to turn the ball over and hand Denmark one last opportunity.

However, this time Maša Dubljević produced the save, sealing Montenegro's 27:25 victory and a first-ever IHF Women's Youth World Championship final. Ivana Savić led Montenegro with 10 goals, while Caroline Mano Todsen scored seven for Denmark, and Thilde Ladegaard Skov finished with 14 saves at 40% efficiency.

Montenegro will face reigning champions Spain in Sunday's final in a rematch of the bronze-medal match at the W17 EHF EURO 2025, where Montenegro won 22:20. Earlier on Sunday Denmark will meet Egypt in their third battle for bronze.

Player of the Match: Andrea Draganić (Montenegro)