Cairo – The group stage of the African Cup of Nations Handball Championship, currently taking place in Egypt, concluded this Tuesday, with the quarter-finals scheduled for Wednesday. Amid the competition, the president of the International Handball Federation (IHF), Hassan Moustafa, offered a mid-term assessment of the tournament and highlighted the impressive progress of African handball.
“I think the level of African teams has progressed enormously in recent years,” Moustafa told the press. “The IHF has deployed enormous financial and human resources to develop African handball, and I believe it is starting to bear fruit when we look at the way certain teams are playing in this African Cup of Nations (CAN-2016).”
In addition to praising the teams, Moustafa also lauded the organization of the tournament.
“Egypt has succeeded in its challenge of hosting the 22nd edition of the CAN. The organization is approaching that of a World Cup, which was evident in the grand opening ceremony that amazed everyone present. The modernity of the infrastructure ensures that all actors – teams, referees, media, volunteers, and spectators – are able to operate in harmony,” he added.
The championship, which began on January 21, 2016, will conclude on January 30, 2016. Moustafa’s remarks underline the growing competitiveness of African handball and Egypt’s successful efforts in hosting a world-class event.
