Egypt U18 women’s handball team miss out on bronze after Denmark defeat

The Egypt U18 women’s handball team finished fourth at the World U18 Championship after Denmark won the bronze-medal match 23-19 on Sunday.

Egypt had reached the semi-finals of the women’s World U18 Championship for the first time, but could not complete their historic campaign with a medal. Denmark secured third place by holding off Egypt in a closely contested match.

The result was decided after a game in which neither side established a significant advantage during the opening stages. Egypt and Denmark were level at 2-2 after eight minutes, before Denmark moved narrowly ahead.

At the 15-minute mark, Denmark led 7-6. The Danish side maintained that one-goal advantage through to half-time, when the score stood at 12-11.

Egypt responded after the interval and continued to stay within touching distance. The teams were level again at 13-13 after 34 minutes, before the score reached 15-15 at 36 minutes and 20 seconds.

Denmark then began to create a clearer gap. With 40 minutes and 12 seconds played, Egypt were 17-15 behind, and the Danes extended their advantage to 20-17 by the 47th minute.

Egypt faced a five-goal deficit with two minutes remaining, as Denmark led 22-17. The Danish side ultimately finished the match four goals ahead, completing a 23-19 victory and taking the bronze medal.

For Egypt, the fourth-place finish follows a landmark run to the last four of the competition. Their semi-final appearance was the first in the country’s history at the women’s World U18 Championship.

The bronze-medal fixture began after Egypt and Denmark met to determine the third-placed team in the tournament. The match was followed through a live updates sequence, beginning with the opening whistle and concluding with Denmark’s victory.

The final score reflected Denmark’s advantage in the closing stages, although Egypt remained level with their opponents several times during the second half. The teams’ 15-15 scoreline after 36 minutes and 20 seconds represented Egypt’s last recorded equaliser before Denmark moved ahead.

Denmark’s lead increased from two goals at 17-15 to three at 20-17, and then to five at 22-17. Egypt were unable to overturn that deficit before the final whistle.

The 23-19 defeat means Egypt end their first appearance in the World U18 Championship’s semi-final stage without a medal, while Denmark claim bronze.