Qatar claimed an important 29-24  victory over Japan in the 17th Asian Handball Championship  at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town yesterday.

Qatar faced stiff resistance from Japan during the first half of opening round match of Group ‘A’ which includes Oman, Syria and South Korea.

Japan, however, were unable to take the lead as Qatar’s attack led by Zarko Markovic, Rafael Capote and Mahmoud Hassaballa kept the first half in their team’s favour (16-12). 

The second half saw the introduction of Qatar’s second choice keeper Stojanovis Goran, who gave their defensive line a boost. 

Qatar managed to widen their lead to 21-16 at the starting stages of the second half through Capote, Murad Abdulrazzaq, Rione Bertrand and Hassaballa. 

Japan quickly managed to get back into the game with 15 minutes left to play as Shinnosuke Tokuda, Kenya Kasahara and Kohei Narita reduced Qatar’s lead to a 23-21. 

However, Qatar once again pulled their strings with a strong performance for the rest of the game as Abdulrazzaq, Hassaballa, Bertrand and Zarko took the world runners-up to 28 goals while their opponents stood at 23. 

Qatar’s goalkeeper Saric Danijel, who plays for Spanish giants Barcelona, was introduced towards the last eight minutes of the game replacing Goran and he pulled off some vital saves. 

The second half was considered a much energetic half than the first as the goalkeepers of either team pulled off consecutive saves and stalled the score. 

However, Japan depended on individual performances rather than teamwork and that made the second half easier for Qatar. 

Qatar’s Capote and Hassaballa both put in man of the match performances to win the points for their team as Markovic’s attacking power was a clear threat to Japan

The other match of the group saw Oman beat Syria 31-24 after leading 15-11 at half time. 

The win sees Qatar in first place with six points from three games with a goal difference of +45. 

Japan and south Korea come in second and third places with two points from two games and a goal difference of +1 and -5 respectively. 

Oman sit in fourth place with two points from three games and a goal difference of -12. 

Syria are at the bottom of the table with no points from two games and goal difference of -29. 

The fourth round fixtures for Group ‘B’ will take place today when Saudi face China at 3pm and UAE take on Lebanon at 5pm at Khalifa Sports City.

Bahrain will face Iran at 7pm at the same venue.

The tournament, hosted by Bahrain for the second consecutive time, also serves as a qualifier to the World Championships in France next January. 

World runners-up Qatar, along with the top four teams, will represent Asia at the World Championship.