Egypt’s Zina Amr named in world youth handball team of the tournament

The International Handball Federation has named Egypt’s Zina Amr in the all-star team for the Women’s Under-18 World Championship, while her team-mate Malak Amr was selected as the tournament’s best right back.

Zina Amr, who plays as a pivot, was included among the standout players at the competition. Malak Amr was also recognised after being chosen in the right-back position.

Egypt finished fourth at the Women’s Under-18 World Championship after losing 23-19 to Denmark in the bronze-medal match. Denmark produced a strong defensive performance to secure victory.

Despite missing out on a medal, fourth place represents Egypt’s best-ever finish in the history of their participation in the Women’s Under-18 World Championship.

The result was particularly notable given Egypt had already defeated Denmark 23-22 during the main round. Their earlier victory came as part of an unbeaten campaign in which Egypt finished top of their group with a perfect record.

In the bronze-medal match, the two sides were closely matched during the first half, with Denmark taking an 12-11 lead into the interval. The Danish players then established a clearer advantage after the break, with their defence helping them protect the lead and claim the final podium place.

Before the tournament, Egypt’s previous best result in the Women’s Under-18 World Championship had come in the 2022 edition in North Macedonia, where they finished seventh.

Egypt secured their place in the later stages by topping their group with maximum points after beating Denmark in their final group match. They also ended the main round at the top of their group, again with a perfect record.

Egypt’s squad for the tournament was:

Goalkeepers: Jana Ahmed, Jidaa Salama, Retag Mohamed.

Left wings: Joureya Tamer, Mai Sherif.

Left backs: Judy Metwally, Sondos Essam, Farah Farag.

Centre backs: Mirna Ashraf, Reem Ehab, Yasmine Hassan.

Right backs: Malak Amr, Maryam Salah, Habiba Mahmoud.

Right wings: Malak Khamis, Farida Abou El Magd.

Pivots: Zina Amr, Zina Mahmoud.