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Kuwait and Poland earn long-awaited wins

21 Jan. 2025

Kuwait and Poland earn long-awaited wins

Kuwait took a narrow victory against Guinea, 26:24, while Poland defeated Algeria by a bigger margin, 38:32, in their first matches of the President's Cup, which took place in Porec. 

PRESIDENT'S CUP GROUP I
Kuwait vs Guinea 26:24 (15:11
)

After three straight losses in Group C, Kuwait bounced back at the start of the President's Cup and celebrated their maiden win at Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025. The Asian side defeated Guinea, who suffered their fourth consecutive defeat during their debut campaign at this level.

Led by Said Aidawani, who became the top scorer of the game with eight goals, Kuwait took an early control of the game and led 7:2 seven minutes into the match. They went on to dominate throughout the first half and were in front 15:9 before Guinea cut the deficit to four goals at half-time.

The Africans continued to put the pressure on their rivals after the break, and goalkeeper Pierre Rubens did a good job, as he stopped 16 balls for a 39% saving efficiency. Right wing Theo Lebon and left back Adjiri Yven Corcher also stood out, ending the game with seven and six goals respectively.

In minute 48, Kuwait enjoyed a 24:19 lead but Rubens shut up shop, helping his team to draw level with two minutes to play following an impressive 5:0 run. However, the Asians held their nerve, and two goals from left wing Abdulaziz Alshammari secured their victory. 

hummel Player of the Match: Pierre Rubens (Guinea)

PRESIDENT'S CUP GROUP I
Poland vs Algeria 38:32 (19:14)

Poland were the only European team who failed to reach the main round at the 2025 IHF Men's World Championship, as they finished bottom of Group A and had to go to the President's Cup. Now their goal is to win the President's Cup, and the Poles have made their first step, beating Algeria. 

The rivals were level at 4:4 early in the match before Poland used a 8:1 run to take a commanding 12:5 lead. Spurred by Elias Boudjadja, Algeria responded with a 3:0 run, and they further slashed the gap to five goals at half-time, going to the dressing room with the hope of making a strong comeback.

Early in the second half, the Africans continued to put the pressure on their rivals, who were unable to pull clear by more than three or four goals for a long time. With five minutes to go, Poland led 33:30, but they were clearly dominant in the remaining time to clinch a six-goal victory. 

The trio of Piotr Jedraszczyk, Damian Przytula and Pawel Paterek made a big impact for the winners, combining for 21 goals. In their next match on Thursday, Poland will face Kuwait, and Algeria will meet Guinea in an African derby. 

hummel Player of the Match: Piotr Jedraszczyk (Poland)