The anticipated news from Austria is finally here – the Egyptian handball team has clinched their ninth African Championship title, marking their third consecutive win, thereby securing a spot for Aleš Pajović’s squad in the Olympic Games qualifications.

In the final match held in Cairo, the “Pharaohs” triumphed over Algeria with a score of 29:21, putting them just one title behind Tunisia, the record holder with nine championships.

This victory ensures Egypt’s participation in the Olympic Games and establishes teams for the qualifying tournaments scheduled from April 14 to 17.

As the leading African team finished seventh at the World Championship, Slovenia secured a spot in the Olympic qualifiers from that event, while Austria claimed the European berth by surpassing their southern neighbors.

If Algeria had emerged victorious, they would have directly qualified for the Olympics, leaving Egypt qualified and Austria out of the competition.

Slovenia welcomed Egypt’s win as they will face Spain, Brazil, and Bahrain in their group. Had the “Pharaohs” lost by two goals, Slovenia would have found themselves competing against Norway, Hungary, and the third-place team from the African Championship, Tunisia.

Portugal earned a place in the tournament, whereas Croatia faced an unfortunate draw – instead of competing against Spain and two lesser teams, they will contend for Olympic spots alongside the European Championship losers, Sweden or Germany, as well as Algeria and Austria.

OLYMPIC GAMES QUALIFICATIONS – TOURNAMENT 1

Spain

Slovenia

Bahrain

Brazil

TOURNAMENT 2

Sweden or Germany

Croatia

Algeria

Austria

TOURNAMENT 3

Norway

Hungary

Portugal

Tunisia

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