Both the Bangladesh men’s and women’s teams reached the semifinals of the seven-nation International Handball Federation (IHF) Trophy-2016 eliminating their rivals in the last group matches on Tuesday.
Bangladesh women’s team emerged Group A champions to reach the semifinal with all-win record crushing Afghanistan by 24-7 goals after leading the first half by 16-2 goals at Shaheed (Capt) M Mansur Ali National Handball Stadium on Tuesday.
Bangladesh women’s team who made a brilliant start to the tournament beating Sri Lanka by 47-14 goals in their first match will play Group B runners-up Pakistan in the first semifinal on Wednesday at 12 noon.
Group B champions India will play the 2nd semifinal against Group A runners-up Sri Lanka, also on Wednesday.
Pakistan finished Group B runners-up in women’s section eliminating Nepal by 21-20 goals after leading the first half 12-9 while India booked a seat for the semifinal as Group B champions with all-win run beating all-loser the Maldives by 51-13 goals after dominating the first half 23-5.
In the men’s group, Bangladesh finished Group B runners-up to advance to the semifinal eliminating Sri Lanka by 46-17 goals in the last group match after dominating the first half 23-9 at the same venue Tuesday afternoon and will play the first semis against Group A champions Pakistan on Wednesday at 12:30 pm.
Group B champions India will play Group A runners-up Nepal in the 2nd semifinal, also on Wednesday.
In the day’s women’s competition, captain Rubina scored nine, Masuda and Shifa netted five each while Rahima and Purnima scored four goals each for Bangladesh.
After the match, skipper of Bangladesh women’s team Rubina said she was not satisfied with the result.
After the day’s men’s competition, Bangladesh coach Kamrul Kiron said, “We’re hopeful of beating Pakistan in the semis as the current Pakistan team are comparatively weaker than that of 2010.”
