For many years, we have aspired to create a selection that Montenegro can proudly showcase, a sentiment echoed by coach Miloš Perović, now reaffirmed in the most remarkable manner.

History has been made as the Montenegrin cadets have advanced to the semi-finals of the European Women’s Handball Championship under 17. The “Young Lionesses” triumphed over France (80:31) in the “Bemax Arena,” emerging victorious after 29 minutes of fierce competition and two overtime periods, effectively avenging their earlier defeat in the group stage and are set to compete for medals.

The exceptional Montenegrin handball squad allowed the renowned handball nation their first lead only in extra time, cementing their strength with a goal from Ivana Savić in the final second of the first overtime, after which they decisively overcame their rivals.

Anđelina Orbović and her teammates are scheduled to face Slovakia in the final tomorrow at 17:00, also in the “Bemax Arena.”

Montenegro will long remember this handball summer in Podgorica – following the juniors’ sixth-place finish, the cadets have achieved an even greater milestone.

Miloš Perović and Bobana Krstović’s squad started the match with impressive momentum, quickly establishing a 4:0 lead thanks to Martina Knežević, and they mostly held onto that advantage to lead 13:10 at halftime.

The resilient French team refused to back down, and after a goal by their standout player, Najenke Nolsen, in the 39th minute, they managed to tie the game at 15:15.

Despite the visitors’ persistence, the “Lionesses” continually provided answers. France briefly threatened at 18:17, but captain Orbović and Ivana Savić fought back, leading Montenegro to a 21:18 advantage going into the final ten minutes of regulation.

Even then, the French did not yield; they leveled the score at 22:22, sending the game into overtime.

When France momentarily took the lead, it appeared the “Lionesses” might falter, but they had other plans…

The goal from young Ivana Savić of Nikšić will be etched in memory for a long time, after which it became clear that nothing could impede the Lionesses.

Martina Knežević and Ivana Savić were the standout players for our national team, each scoring seven goals, while Anđelina Orbović, Andrea Dragnić, and Jovana Tešović each contributed three goals. Goalkeeper Maša Dubljević made a significant impact with 11 saves.

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