Congo remain flawless in the President's Cup with win over Iran

Congo proved to be a too tough of a challenge for the Islamic Republic of Iran and claimed a strong 32:20 win, the second one in a row in the President's Cup, handing the Islamic Republic of Iran their fifth loss in a row at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023.

President’s Cup Group II
Islamic Republic of Iran vs Congo 20:32 (9:19)

Congo confirmed their favourite status and left the Islamic Republic of Iran without a chance to leave their mark early in the match. The unanswered 4:0 run eight minutes in helped Congo already to create a 6:3 lead and the gap could have been even wider were if not for goalkeeper Fatemeh Khalili Behfar. However, turning the ball over 19 times in the first half helped Congo create fast breaks, which they converted with ease.

The African side powered ahead and by the 15th minute, they were in front by six goals, which was quickly morphed into to the first double-digit lead (14:4), as left wing Suzanne Bellette Mambou scored her third in the game. The Islamic Republic of Iran's attempts fizzled when trying to make a comeback, as they failed to score from the 14th to 24th minute. 

That moment proved to be pivotal, despite Iran boasting a better start in the second half, when they prevented Congo to score for almost five minutes, mainly due to their defence, which constantly shifted. They were able to keep up with the opponent only for the next five minutes, while Congo started to build back their biggest lead.

Goalkeeper Fatemeh Khalili Behfar kept delivering between the posts, preventing the Islamic Republic of Iran from going off the track. The two sides maintained the same gap for most of the last moments of the game but a more focused finish saw Congo seal a 32:20 win.

The last round matches will bring the top-of-the-group clash between Chile and Congo, fighting for progressing to the Placement Match 25/26, the final of the President's Cup, while the Islamic Republic of Iran will try to avoid the Placement Match 31/32 in a duel with Kazakhstan.

hummel Player of the Match: Rita Luana Saraiva (Congo)