The end of the year has become a beloved tradition where Montenegro comes together to celebrate handball and support the “lions.”

This journey began in Brazil in 2010, marking the debut of the Montenegrin women’s handball team in major competitions, and it will continue this winter as our national team prepares for its eighth World Championship since regaining independence.

This was evident following the first play-off match against Portugal in Fafe, where Suzana Lazović’s team triumphed with a score of 31:19. This was further confirmed today in front of their home crowd—once again, the “lionesses” outperformed the same opponent, winning 30:26, despite the absence of captain Đurđina Jauković, who sustained a minor injury in the first match.

Montenegro is set to compete in a major tournament for the 19th time, having only missed the last summer’s Olympic Games in Paris since 2010.

The first half at the “Bemax Arena” mirrored the initial 30 minutes in Fafe. The Lionesses established a 4:1 lead, but Portugal, led by Karmen Filipe Figueiredo, fought back to take a 7:6 lead, prompting Suzana Lazović to swap goalkeepers.

While Armel Atingre excelled three days ago, today’s match showcased the prowess of Marta Batinović.

Portugal managed to remain competitive for a while, and after scoring from Marija Božović (who debuted in Fafe) and Ivana Godeč, the scoreboard displayed 13:10, with the “lionesses” maintaining a three-point lead (16:13) at halftime—mirroring the score from the first match.

The game continued without significant changes; Montenegro surged ahead to 19:14 following two goals from Jelena Vukčević. Suzana Lazović rotated through all players listed in the protocol, yet the point difference remained steady. The final score reflected a solid 30:26 victory.

The World Cup will take place in Germany and the Netherlands in late November and early December.

RSCG Expresses Gratitude to Jelena and Ema

As a token of appreciation for their memorable contributions among the “lionesses,” the Handball Federation of Montenegro honored Jelena Radivojević and Ema Alivodić prior to the match against Portugal.

Jelena recently bid farewell to the national team, while Ema concluded her playing career in 2023.

The player who defended the goal from 2012 to 2025 boasts a gold medal from the 2012 European Championship, while the former pivot, who played from 2014 to 2022, secured a bronze medal in Euro 2022.

The recognition ceremony was conducted by Petar Kapisoda, president of the RSCG.

CRNA GORA – PORTUGAL 30:26 (16:13)

Podgorica – “Bemax arena”. Attendance: 1,500. Referees: Brodić and Hodžić (Croatia). Penalties: Montenegro 6 (1), Portugal 1 (4). Penalties: Montenegro 6, Portugal 6 minutes.

Montenegro: Atingre (three saves), M. Marsenić (three saves), Batinović (four saves), A. Marsenić 6, Jauković, Pletikosić 4, Godeč 3, Mugoša 2, Džaferović 1, Vukčević 8 (6), Ćorović, Božović 2, Brnović 2, Tatar 1, Pavicevic 1, Kepic.

Portugal: Ferreira (four saves), Rosa (one save), Martins (six saves), Freitas 2, Sabino 5, Sequeira 2, Silva, Lima 1, Rodriguez 2 (1), Souza 1, Jesus 3, Rezende, Mincuña 2, Figueiredo 8, Moreno, Unjanke.

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