Crunch time at Men's IHF Trophy Continental Phase Africa

Five more matches were played at the Men's IHF Trophy Continental Phase Africa in Brazzaville on Thursday 19 January. Still, the title holders in both age categories will only be determined on Friday, the final day of the event.

At the youth (U18) competition, Guinea suffered their first defeat as they lost against Burundi (32:38), while home side Congo proved too strong for Zambia, 31:10, as the Zambians scored just four goals in the first half.

Nigeria, who had a rest day, continue to lead the event with the maximum of six points after three matches. They are followed by Guinea and Burundi, who are level on four points. Congo are fourth-placed with two points and Zambia have already finished the tournament, losing all four matches.

On Friday, Guinea meet Nigeria in a crucial match at 11:00 (local time). Even a draw will be enough for Nigeria to win the title, but if Guinea claim a victory and Burundi fail to beat Congo (this match starts at 15:00), the Guineans will finish first. And in case Guinea defeat Nigeria and Burundi beat Congo, three teams will finish level on points, so the goal difference in their head-to-head encounters will be the tie-breaker. 

At the junior (U20) tournament, Guinea also ended their winning run as they were beaten by home team Congo (23:31). In the other matches, Nigeria defeated Rwanda 44:32 and Madagascar celebrated their maiden win at the tournament, 38:30 against Zimbabwe.

With one round of matches to go, Congo, Guinea and Nigeria are tied on six points, Rwanda have four points, Madagascar have two, and Zimbabwe have lost all their encounters so far.

So the fight for the title is extremely tight and everything will be decided on Friday as Zimbabwe meet Rwanda at 9:00, Guinea face Madagascar at 13:00 and Nigeria play Congo at 17:00.

Photo Handball Federation Congo