Hungary claim no-nonsense win against Tunisia to boost Olympic challenge

Hungary threw off their challenge for a place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a big win against Tunisia, 33:24, setting up themselves nicely before a pair of matches against Portugal and Norway, two crucial battles for a top-two placement.

Olympic Qualification Tournament #3
Hungary vs Tunisia 33:24 (17:10)

For 17 minutes, it looked like the home side in the Tatabányai Multifunkcionális Sportcsarnok was going to have some headaches against a plucky Tunisian side, which missed several high-profile stars in the Olympic Qualification Tournament #3.

While taking the lead early, Hungary were not able to sustain the momentum, as some turnovers and three goals from right back Anouar Ben Abdallah ushered back Tunisia into the match, tying the score, 9:9, with the pressure swiftly transferred unto the hosts’ shoulders.

Yet Hungary had plenty of experience and that was soon to be seen, as in the last 13 minutes of the first half, the European side conceded a single goal, finishing up the first 30 minutes with a 8:1 run, which proved pivotal for them to win the match.

It was goalkeeper Roland Mikler – eight saves for a 47% saving efficiency – and centre back Máté Lékai – four goals and three assists – who shined for Hungary, while teenager right wing Bence Imre also contributed with three goals to Hungary’s tally. Sooner rather than later, Tunisia found themselves in a 10:17 hole, without any chance of escaping, due to their costly misses and meagre 45% shooting efficiency.

From that point on, it was only about managing the players’ fitness and replacing the starters with the ones which started on the bench, as Hungary managed the lead expertly, thanks to their experience.

As Lékai continued to shine on the court, with six goals and four assists, Hungary started to extend their lead in the final minutes of the match, as Tunisia collapsed on both sides of the ball.

While the African side did score more goals in the second half, they could simply not contain Hungary, which looked sharper, faster and more talented, eventually clinching a crucial win in their opener in Tatabánya, 33:24.

Now, Hungary can rest the next day and will continue their quest for a Paris 2024 Olympic Games ticket on Saturday, when they face Norway, with a win helping them get even closer to their dream. On the other hand, Tunisia will have their work cut out now and they need wins against Portugal and Norway to stay in the hunt, a momentous challenge after such a difficult loss.

hummel Player of the Match: Richárd Bodó (Hungary)