Angola deny Iceland as African champions through to main round

All Angola needed was a draw against Iceland on Monday to ensure progression through to the main round and a draw was what they got.

They become the first senior team in the 32-team IHF World Championship era to progress from the preliminary round without a win, after losing their previous Group D Preliminary Round games to France and Slovenia.

Group D
Angola vs Iceland 26:26 (15:14)

The 26:26 deadlock was enough for Nelson Catito’s African champions against a spirited European wildcard side in just their second IHF Women’s World Championship.

Going into the game the maths were clear. France and Slovenia were already through on four points each, with the team two teams playing for the group win following this clash, so whomever won this one would join them directly in the main round in Trondheim.

In the event of the draw, with a better goal difference, goals scored and defensive record, Angola would qualify.

Right from the off Iceland – watched by their country president and former handball player, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson – knew that, but Angola kept them at bay, led by the imposing Albertina Kassoma at both ends of the court.

But Iceland were desperate for their win and with 20 minutes on the clock, they took the lead for the first time (9:8) through Elisa Eliasdottir, this was extended to two within five minutes (12:10, 24th minute), but thanks to two late half strikes from Kassoma, Angola took a one-goal lead (15:14) into the break with them to set up an exhilarating second period.

Angola’s form continued into the second half as a 4:0 scoring run put them well ahead (19:14) in the 38th minute, with Iceland failing to score in any of their attacks in the half.

But coach Arnar Petursson showed faith in his side, not taking a time out, rather ensuring his side fought back.

With the influential Angola centre back – and captain – Isabel Guialo not playing, Iceland sensed their chance, but it was not until another key Angola player – Kassoma – left the court in the 45th minute after appearing to be winded that Iceland came back again to set up a tense final quarter.

Kassoma returned to action just after the teams were all-square again (21:21) and if evidence of her impact was needed she provided it – literally grabbing the ball from Diana Magnusdottir mid-attack, her 1.85m frame towering over her opponent’s 1.75m in and then subsequently sending a rocket delivery down court to Marilia Quizelete for a sublime fast-break finish (23:21, 51st minute).

This caused Petursson to take another time and with Elin Thorsteinsdottir in goal making saves, Iceland came back again (24:24).

However, the flow of the game was in Angola’s favour and when Kassoma put her side two ahead again (26:24) with her fifth goal and two-and-a-half minutes remaining, Iceland knew that they had to pull out everything.

Both sides took time outs to steady themselves in the closing moments. Iceland then made a faulty sub and were given a two-minute at 25:26 down and with Sandra Erlingsdottir scoring with eight seconds left to even it up, Angola were in possession, but drew a foul and Petursson’s head sunk to the floor, knowing the game was up.

hummel Player of the Match: Sandra Erlingsdottir (Iceland)