The Montenegrin handball team is set to face Bulgaria in their final match of the European Championship qualifiers, which also acts as a valuable test ahead of the Olympic qualifying tournament.

The game at “Morača” kicks off at 18:00 PM and holds no significance in terms of results, as the “lionesses” have already secured their position in the major continental tournament by finishing first in their group.

For Bojana Popović’s squad, the clash with the Bulgarian team is crucial for preparation for the more significant challenge ahead – the battle for a spot in Paris, to be held in Ulm, Germany from April 11 to 14. This match provides a great opportunity for younger team members to showcase their skills, while the more experienced players, such as goalkeeper Marina Rajčić, the outstanding Tatjana Brnović, and Dijana Mugoša, who scored nine goals in the previous victory against Turkey (30:28), will take a break.

– The match against Bulgaria is vital for us, as we haven’t had extensive training, and every moment we spend together on the field is essential. It is especially important for the younger players since many haven’t had much opportunity to play, and some will experience taking the court in “Morača” wearing the national team jersey for the first time – said 20-year-old Nađa Kadović, who will step in for Dijana Mugoša on the left wing.

Our handball players will depart for Germany on Wednesday. The following day, they will play against the underdog Paraguay, and a straightforward victory is anticipated. On the first day of the upcoming weekend, they will face Germany, followed by a match against Slovenia, coached by our well-known Dragan Adžić, on Sunday.

– Germany will be challenging as the host team. We also witnessed their performance against us when the crowd was our extra player. With our dedication and the atmosphere we’ve cultivated over these few days, I am confident of our success – Kadović asserted.

The youngest “lioness” on the team, Nikolina Marković, recently had her chance towards the end of the Champions League season as a middle back for Budućnost Bemax, and she expresses her eagerness for the game against Bulgaria.

– Representing the national team is an extraordinary feeling, one that’s hard to describe, and I hope we younger players will seize the opportunity we are given. The European Championship was previously hosted here, and the atmosphere was incredible. Now, I will be on the field, and I am very excited and thankful. I anticipate that the audience will support us as they always do – emphasized Nikolina Marković, who made her senior national team debut against Bulgaria last October.

News