Denmark secured their eighth medal at the IHF Women's Youth World Championship in 11 editions, and their third in a row, after winning the bronze-medal match against Egypt, 23:19.

Placement Match 3/4
Egypt vs Denmark 19:23 (11:12)

Egypt and Denmark produced a closely contested opening 30 minutes, with neither side able to establish a significant advantage. Both defences stood firm, forcing long possessions and turnovers, while the attacks struggled—Egypt finished the first half with a 44% shooting efficiency and Denmark with 45%.

The lack of attacking rhythm resulted in two lengthy scoring droughts, first between the third and eighth minutes and then again from the 19th to the 23rd. Denmark were the only side to create any breathing room, with Cecilie Lysen Dreisig giving them a three-goal lead at 12:9, the biggest advantage of the first half.

Egypt responded before the break, led by Sondos Abouelazaiem, who scored five first-half goals, while the introduction of Jana Labanah between the posts also helped the African side reduce the deficit and head into half-time trailing by just one goal, 11:12.

Egypt carried that momentum into the second half, immediately levelling the score at 12:12 before Jowaireya Abdallah put them ahead at 15:14—only their second lead of the match after 3:2. Their attacking momentum and solid defensive work briefly shifted the balance, but the advantage proved short-lived.

Denmark had the answer between the posts and gradually regained control of the match. A strong spell between the 41st and 48th minutes saw the Scandinavians turn the game back in their favour and build a four-goal cushion at 21:17.

With 10 minutes remaining, Egypt switched to their familiar seven-on-six attack in an attempt to close the gap, while Jaydaa Salama returned in goal. However, this time the tactic backfired, as turnovers with an empty net allowed Denmark to score several easy goals. As a result, the Danes entered the 55th minute leading 23:17, with victory all but secured.

Backed by Thilde Ladegaard Skov's 12 saves and a 40% save efficiency, Denmark sealed a 23:19 victory in a low-scoring bronze-medal match. Sofie Hansen scored four goals for the winners, while Sondos Abouelazaiem led Egypt with six. Goalkeepers Jaydaa Salama and Jana Labanah combined for 15 saves.

Egypt missed out on a medal in their first-ever appearance among the tournament's top four but nevertheless leave Romania 2026 having achieved the best result in the nation's history, becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the IHF Women's Youth World Championship. Bronze medallists Denmark claimed their eighth medal at the competition and their third bronze, adding to two gold and three silver medals.

Player of the Match: Thilde Ladegaard Skov (Denmark)