Zambia and Zimbabwe earn titles at IHF Trophy Zone 6 Africa

Zambia's men's youth team and the junior team of Zimbabwe were the winners of the Men's IHF Trophy Zone 6 Africa, which took place from 6 to 11 May 2024 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Both sides also qualified for the IHF Trophy Continental Phase Africa, which is scheduled later this year.

In the semi-final of the youth (U18) tournament, Zimbabwe were losing against Mozambique at half-time, 15:17, but improved a lot in the second half and grabbed a 41:34 victory. Zambia sealed a berth in the final more easily, as they downed South Africa (36:10).

And in the gold-medal match, Zambia proved too strong for home side Zimbabwe, winning 37:27, as their players Benjamin Daka and Rick Banda scored 13 and nine goals, respectively. Mozambique earned bronze, winning a third-place match against South Africa (52:25), and Malawi ranked fifth after defeating Lesotho 50:25.

In the junior (U20) age category, the same two teams also reached the final, as Zambia beat Mozambique 23:15, and Zimbabwe were dominant against Lesotho, 39:12 in the semi-finals. However, this time it was the home team who claimed the title, as 12 goals from Thomas Shawn propelled Zimbabwe to a 35:31 win against Zambia in a crucial encounter. 

Just like in the youth competition, Mozambique finished third after beating Lesotho 52:15, and Malawi took the fifth place following a 42:25 win against South Africa.

Final ranking
Youth (U18)
1.    Zambia
2.    Zimbabwe
3.    Mozambique
4.    South Africa.  5.Malawi   6. Lesotho   7. Namibia   8. Swaziland

Junior (U20)
1.    Zimbabwe
2.    Zambia
3.    Mozambique
4.    Lesotho 5.Malawi  6.South Africa  7.Namibia  8. Swaziland

Photo credit: Handball Association of Zambia