DOHA: Qatar’s handball giants Al Sadd and El Jaish will be keeping one eye on a possible final clash when they take on German powerhouse Flensburg and FC Barcelona of Spain respectively in today’s IHF Super Globe semi-finals.
Al Sadd take on Flensburg in the first semi-final at the imposing Qatar Handball Association Complex inside Lekhwiya Sports Stadium.
In the second semi-final, El Jaish will face Spanish giants and FC Barcelona - and the defending champions - in a game that kicks-off at 8:15pm at the same venue.
Al Sadd qualified for the semi-final after a 32-23 victory against underdogs Sydney University HC on Tuesday.
From the very beginning, the host side dominated the match.
After the first 15 minutes, coach Mongi Bananni’s side made a lot of easy fast-break goals. Sydney fought brave but without a realistic chance to bring the favourite in trouble.
The match stayed the same after the break. Al Sadd was the better team with more power, more individual possibilities and the better physical strength.
Nevertheless the team from Down Under performed with moral and was a good competitor until the end of the match.
Finally Al Sadd celebrated the victory and the qualification for the round of the best four teams.
Coach Bananni said: “It was not an easy match. Sydney played with discipline, courage, enthusiasm. Finally I am very happy to reach the semi-finals.” Al Sadd player Janko Kevic said: “We had to play with 100%. Congratulations to my team. We prepared very hard the last few months and the round of the best four is the result. On Tuesday, FC Barcelona beat Esperance Tunis 37-23 to sign in for the semi-finals.
FC Barcelona coach Xavier said: “It was our best game in this young season. It is important for us to reach the semi-final. I am happy with my players. Now we hope to reach also the final.”
THE PENINSULA
