For its 2nd outing on Croatian soil, the team led by Farouk Dehili was opposed to that of Central America, Cuba. Even if Dunkirk Morales’ teammates are not as prestigious as Slovenia, they are nonetheless of a very good level.
The Fennecs still weakened
As might have been expected, the national team players have yet to recover from their long trip to Croatiaand especially the tough fight they fought, two days previously, against the Slovenia.
In addition, the number of players available to the coach is reduced once again. In order to refine its expanded list and keep the core of the contenders to play the Danish World Cup, Farouk Dehili kept 20 of the 25 players who participated in the training camp Tipaza. But as fate befalls this selection, the strong man of the 7th national team sees his list further reduced by 5 other players. Five players, who can claim the final trip to Denmarkdid not receive their travel visas to the Croatia. Because of their administrative situations in the countries Gulfvisas could not be applied for in time. Today, they are still waiting for this famous sesame to join their teammates.
With 15 players including 3 goalkeepers, the national team is greatly reduced. In addition, the rhythm of the matches, every 2 days, forces capable players to redouble their efforts during confrontations, at the risk of injury. This is what unfortunately happened to 2 players: the center half, Nori Benhalima and the 3rd goalkeeper, Salim Mezaza. Fatigue, understaffing, this is how the Algerian team presented itself weakened in front of the team of Cuba.
Don’t give up…
Subjected to Cuban pressure from the start of the match, the teammates of Khelifa Ghedhbane had a lot of difficulty getting into the match. With a failing central sector, the Greens had great difficulty containing the Cubans’ shots. The latter take the lead despite scoring goals‘Abdi et Berkous which allow us to maintain hope. Zohir Naim et Rafik Bouneb have the heavy task of begging the fatigues of the rear base. But the Algerian players’ missed shots and the refereeing did not help the end of the first half. The men in black whistle for the break with a score of 15-18 in favor of the Cubans.
In the 2nd period, Delhi made some adjustments and brought in more skillful and fresher young players. Despite a very good Cuban goalkeeper, the Greens are gradually coming back on the heels of the goalkeeper’s teammates Suarez. Elyas Bouadjadja still had a good match, in a role as a substitute forAyoub Abdi. The match ended with a tie score of 33-33.
Despite the (too many) technical errors, the national handball team is gaining momentum and power. We hope that she will quickly find serenity with a full group to be able to work properly. Indeed, after the working conditions, more than limited, during the internship at Tipazathe group led by Farouk Dehili found working conditions worthy of a national team, Umagin Croatia.
Historically, this is the 9th match between the 2 selections. There are 2 Algerian victories, 3 Cuban victories and now, 3 draws (no score available from the 1999 match). Next match, this Thursday January 9 against the Qatar who was beaten by Slovenia 30-38. As a reminder, all friendly matches are behind closed doors.
KHABTANE Fateh for La Gazette du Fennec.
