The 2023 African Games held in Accra, Ghana, witnessed an intense display of athleticism and skill in the handball tournament, featuring eight men’s teams and eight women’s teams.
From thrilling matches to historic victories, the event showcased the best of African handball talent on both the men’s and women’s fronts.
Men’s Competition:
In the men’s competition, perennial powerhouse Egypt once again stamped their authority as the team to beat. With an illustrious history, having secured seven titles in previous appearances, Egypt entered the tournament as the favorites. Egypt dominated the group stage, securing three convincing victories against Mali, Togo, and Nigeria.
Despite Nigeria’s commendable performance, clinching the second spot in the group, they faced a formidable challenge in the knockout stage after a loss to Egypt. Led by star right back Faruk Yusuf, who showcased his prowess at the 2023 IHF Men’s Emerging Nations Championship, meanwhile, DR Congo emerged as a force to reckon with, displaying a dominant attacking performance throughout the tournament. With three wins in the group stage, DR Congo showcased their intent to make a mark in the competition.
In the semi-finals, Egypt and DR Congo displayed their prowess with convincing wins, setting the stage for an electrifying final. In a closely contested battle, Egypt emerged victorious, securing their seventh title in the competition. However, DR Congo’s remarkable journey didn’t go unnoticed as they clinched their best-ever finish with a silver medal.
Nigeria secured the bronze medal, adding another accolade to their handball legacy. With thrilling matches and standout performances, the men’s competition at the 2023 African Games captivated audiences and highlighted the growing stature of handball in the continent.
Women’s Competition:
In the women’s competition, Angola reaffirmed their dominance with a stellar performance that culminated in their eighth title at the African Games. With a rich history of success, Angola entered the tournament as the firm favorites and lived up to expectations with an impeccable display of skill and teamwork.
During the group stage, Angola showcased their superiority, scoring 120 goals while conceding only 44. Their commanding victories over Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Algeria set the tone for their title charge. Meanwhile, DR Congo made history by advancing to the final for the first time, signaling their emergence as a formidable contender in women’s handball.
In a highly anticipated final, Angola asserted their dominance with a resounding victory over DR Congo, securing yet another title in their illustrious history. While DR Congo settled for the silver medal, their achievement marked a significant milestone in their handball journey.
The bronze medal match witnessed a spirited performance from Cameroon, who emerged victorious against Algeria, securing a podium finish. With thrilling encounters and remarkable displays of skill, the women’s competition added another chapter to the legacy of handball in Africa.
Looking Ahead:
As the 2023 African Games concluded in Accra, the focus now shifts to the future of African handball. The next edition of the African Games, the 14th in its history, is slated to be held in Cairo, Egypt, in 2027. This announcement sets the stage for another exciting chapter in the continent’s handball journey, with Egypt poised to host the event and showcase its passion for the sport on home soil.
Conclusion:
The 2023 African Games handball tournament in Accra was a spectacle of sporting excellence, showcasing the passion and talent of African handball teams. From Egypt’s triumphant run in the men’s competition to Angola’s dominant display in the women’s category, the tournament provided unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
As the curtains closed on another edition of the African Games, the handball tournament served as a testament to the growth and competitiveness of the sport in the region. With teams striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of performance, the future looks bright for African handball as it continues to captivate audiences and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Source: IHF.INFO
Photo Credit: Handball Association of Ghana
Handball Press GH 