Doha: Asian champions Qatar will take on Tunisia in the opening match of the Friendly Qatar International Tournament, which will get underway today at Duhail Sports Hall.
European champions Spain and South American winners Argentina are the other two teams taking part in the five-day event of continental giants, being staged as part of preparations for the next month’s World Handball Championships in Egypt.
Qatar’s match against African runners-up Tunisia today will begin at 6pm. Al Annabi will next face Argentina tomorrow at 6pm after Spain open their campaign against Tunisia at 4pm.
The third day of the event will see Argentina taking on Spain before squaring off with Tunisia on the final day, with Qatar wrapping up the event in anticipated match against Spain.
Qatar are preparing hard for the World Championship that will take place from January 13 to 31. The team underwent several training camps in the last few months besides featuring in a number of friendly matches including games against top clubs of Qatar.
Denmark, who defeated Norway in the 2019 final, will defend their world crown in Egypt. The 32 participating teams will be divided into eight groups of four teams, with top three teams from each group will be qualifying for the main round. Valero Rivera Lopez-coached Al Anabi qualified for the tournament after winning the Asian Men’s Championship 2020 - their fourth consecutive continental title after their triumphs in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 editions.
Based on team’s recent performance, the management is hoping for good results from the side in the four-nation event that will boost Al Anabi’s morale ahead of the World Championships.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com