This heading does require some explanations, and these can be found in an interesting posting on the Danish web site Haandbold.com, where a Danish handball player, Erik Junge Madsen, reports about his 'exotic' experience. http://test.haandbold.com/blog/eksterne-bloggere/2010-04-26-haandbold-og-miljoe

For the most part, handball is played at a rather modest level and under poor conditions in Kenya. It is a sport without long traditions and it does not really exist outside the capital Nairobi. The championship format consists of tournaments, with one final weekend event where the top six teams play each other in a round-robin format.

The recently completed championship event took place in an exciting atmosphere with a very noisy and supportive crowd of around 700 in a sold-out stadium. As Junge Madsen reports, the rules interpretation may not have been quite what one expects in IHF or Danish games, with physical action that "would be more cause for police interference than a mere yellow card."

While some of the participating teams come from very poor or outright dangerous settings and have to prepare under miserable conditions, there are some teams that are really 'professional' in the old Eastern European sense. This means that the teams are owned by large corporations and government agencies, so that the players can really train and prepare on an almost full-time basis.

Two such teams, Cereals and Ulinzi, qualified for the men's final, where Cereals came out a winner by a close margin, 28-27. Cereals belongs to a government agency and Ulinzi is a team from the military. Cereals also won the women's championship, and they have been the dominating team for many years in both categories.

Junge Madsen and his colleagues on the Nairobi University team got the bronze medals; their players are able to practice (outdoors) 3 times per week, depending on traffic and weather… The sixth-place team. Black Mambas, deserves particular mention as the only 'European-style' club team, with both a senior and a junior squad, trying to foster its own talents.

In the Men’s final Tunisia beat hosts Egypt, 24-21. Tunisia’s trio of French League stars led the way. Heykel Megannem (St Raphael) had 5 goals while Wissem Hman and Tej Issam of Montpellier had 4 each. For Egypt, Ahmed El-Ahmar had 6 goals and Hussein Zaky added 5. Ahmed El-Ahmar of Egypt was the leading scorer for the tournament and was also selected as best player. Tunisia, Egypt, and Algeria qualified for the Men's World Championships in Sweden (January 2011)

In the Women’s Final Angola held off Tunisia 31-30. Kiala Luis led Angola in scoring with 9 goals, while Khouildi Ines, who plays for the French club, Mios, also scored 9 for Tunisia. Mouna Chebbah of Tunisia, who plays for Danish side Esbjerg was selected as the outstanding women’s player for the tournament. Angola, Tunisia and Cote d'Ivoire qualifed for the Women's World Championships (December 2011)

Technical Committee Individual Awards: http://www.handball2010.com/2010/details_news.php?recordID=57

Men’s Final Ranking
1) Tunisia
2) Egypt
3) Algeria
4) Democratic Republic of Congo
5) Angola
6) Morocco
7) Nigeria
8 ) Congo
9) Gabon
10) Cameroon
11) Libya
12) Cote d'Ivoire

Women’s Final Ranking
1) Angola
2) Tunisia
3) Cote d'Ivoire
4) Algeria
5) Congo
6) Egypt
7) Cameroon
8 ) Democratic Republic of Congo

The 3rd place matches are complete at the 2010 African Championships. In the Men’s game, Algeria easily defeated the Democratic Republic of the Congo 30-22. They will join Egypt and Tunisia who will play for 1st and have already qualified for the Men’s World Championship in Sweden (Jan 2011)

In the Women’s match, Cote d’Ivoire defeated Algeria 32-28. They will join Angola and Tunisia who will play for 1st and have already qualified for the Women’s World Championship in Brazil (Dec 2011)

African Championship Website: http://www.handball2010.com/2010/index.php?pg=hb5

Video from semifinal (Algeria vs. Egypt) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56JzYlTmb0I

In today's semifinal, Egypt had to struggle to prevail against their Algerian rivals, 26-24. One of the deciding factors was an unusually large number of successful fastbreaks. By contrast, Tunisia had a very easy time against the much less experienced opponents from the Dem. Rep. of Congo, with a final result of 37-22. This means that Algeria, just like on the women's side, will need to win tomorrow's bronze game to qualify for the World Championship. However, judging from today's results, they must be seen as heavy favorites to ensure a 'North African triple'. Angola beat Morocco 30-24 in the 5th place game.

In today's semifinals in Cairo, the two favored teams won. However, Angola's victory over Cote d'Ivoire with 27-24 was perhaps with a smaller margin than expected. By contrast, Tunisia had a very easy team against Algeria: 36-16. This means that Angola and Tunisia are already qualified for the women's World Championship in Brazil in December 2011. More immediately, they will meet in the African final on Saturday.

The final ticket to the World Championship will also be awarded on Saturday, to the winner of the bronze medal game between Cote d'Ivoire and the surprise of the event, Algeria. Congo beat the host country Egypt with 29-26 in the battle for 5th place, and Cameroon grabbed the 7th place by defeating the Dem. Rep. of Congo by the score of 30-28.

It may seem that there have not been too many surprises in the African Championships for men and women. The pre-event favorites are through to the semi-finals, generally without major difficulties. But there have still been some close and exciting games, and there is more to come,

The [u]women's[/u] semifinals will be played on Thursday: [u]Angola-Cote d'Ivoire[/u] and [u]Tunisia-Algeria[/u]; Congo did not make it, despite have had a respectable performance in the recent World Championship. Algeria is the newcomer at this level and has played an attractive handball. Angola has played well despite fielding an unusally large number of new players in comparison with recent events.

The [u]men's[/u] semi-finals will be played on Friday. Following an exciting main round match today, where Tunias and Algeria tied 21-21, [u]Tunisia[/u] came out as group winner and gets the presumably easier road to the final, playing the Democratic Rep. of the [u]Congo[/u]. The other semifinal promises to be an emotional affair, between [u]Egypt and Algeria[/u].

Several videos showing highlights from matches have been posted to the 2010 African Championships Facebook page. If you click on the “Links on” page below and scroll down, you will find the youtube links.

2010 African Championship Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=191134593251&ref=ts
Links on "African Handball Championship (Egypt 2010)": http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=191134593251&share_id=321376672800&comments=1

Commentary: If you haven’t joined the Facebook universe you are definitely missing out on some unique opportunities to share information with fellow handball fans. Join our Team Handball Fans page for updates and networking: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Handball-News/108817968908?ref=mf

The Preliminary round is complete at the 2010 African Championships in Egypt. In the Men’s competition Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt dominated their respective pools winning all three of their matches by convincing scores. In Group A, the Democratic Republic of Congo edged Nigeria for 2nd place on goal differential as the two teams had played to a draw on the first day. Angola and Morocco are the other two sides that qualified for the Main Round. The Main Round pools are:

Group I: Tunisia, Angola, Algeria
Group II: Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco

Tunisia and Egypt are the odss on favorites to win their respective groups. If Algeria can take care of Angola a potential Egypt – Algeria semifinal showdown is in the offing.

Men’s Preliminary Groups (Final Standing and table of results): http://www.handball2010.com/2010/file/Position%20Of%20Men.pdf

In the Women’s competition the teams appear to be much more evenly matched. In Group A, Tunisia won all 3 of their matches, but 2nd place Cote d’Ivoire played them close, 31-27. In Group B, Angola which has dominated African competition for several years did not emerge unscathed as 2nd place Congo managed a 25-25 draw against the reigning champion. The Women’s preliminary competition did not eliminate any teams, but only set seeding for the quarterfinals. Those matches are:

Angola vs. Cameroon
Congo vs. Algeria

Tunisia vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cote d’Ivoire vs. Egypt

Women’s Preliminary Groups (Final Standings and table of results): http://www.handball2010.com/2010/file/Position%20Of%20Women.pdf

The Men’s and Women’s African Handball Championships started today in Egypt. The men’s competition consists of 12 teams and is divided into 3 groups. The Women’s competition features 8 teams divided into 2 groups. Three teams from each competition will qualify for the 2011 World Championships.

In the Men’s tournament Egypt and Tunisia will be favored to qualify, while a number of teams will be contenders for the 3rd spot. In the Women’s tournament Angola will be expected to dominate while the other teams will scramble for the 2nd and 3rd spots.

As a side note, Algeria’s delegation was given a warm welcome upon their arrival in Cairo. Security concerns as a result of riots following a soccer World Cup Qualifier between the two rivals had prompted Egypt to initially withdraw from hosting the tournament. This Egypthandball.com report includes photos showing that they were greeted with flowers: http://www.egypthandball.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=739:2010-02-11-02-23-54&catid=932:egypt&Itemid=67

THN (6 Dec 09): Egypt reverses decision: Will host African Championships after all: http://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.898

African Handball Championships Official Website: http://www.handball2010.com/2010/index.php?pg=hb5

Results for Thursday, 11 February

Men

Group A (Suez)
Democratic Republic of Congo – Nigeria 27-27
Tunisia – Libya 43-24

Group B (Cairo)
Angola – Cameroon 25-22
Egypt – Gabon 27-21

Group C (Cairo)
Algeria – Cote d’Ivoire 29-11
Morocco – Congo 27-24

Women

Group A (Cairo)
Cote d’Ivoire – Algeria 22-19
Tunisia – Cameroon 25-19

Group B (Suez)
Congo – Democratic Republic of Congo 37-31
Angola – Egypt 32-21

According to the Egyptian website, Yallakora.com, the Egyptian Handball Federation has reversed their earlier decision to withdraw as host for the African Championship next February. On Monday, the Egyptian Federation had notified the African Handball Federation (CAHB) that they would not host the tournament due to lingering safety concerns due to heightened tensions following the controversial Egypt-Algeria World Cup soccer qualifying matches in November.

As a result of Egypt’s withdrawal the CAHB had offered other nations the opportunity to host the event. Morocco, Tunisia and Libya had expressed interest in hosting, but did not formally apply. Instead, it appears that Algeria was the lone bidder for the tournament. Faced with the possibility that the Egyptian team would have to travel to Algeria, the Egyptian Federation informed the CAHB that they would be able to host after all.

Yallakora.com: Egypt is declining in its decision and the governing African Cup of Nations Handball: http://www.yallakora.com/arabic/news/details.aspx?id=104459&Catid=5&region

The Egyptian Handball Federation announced earlier this week that it was withdrawing from its responsibility to host the African Championships next February 10-21. The stated reason for the withdrawal is Egypt’s security concerns with hosting Algeria so soon after the controversial world cup soccer qualifying matches between the two nations. The two matches, one played in Egypt and the follow on tiebreaker in Sudan have heightened tensions and resulted in violence against Egyptians living in Algeria and vice versa.

The Egyptian Federation had first sought to delay the event until later in 2010, but this request was denied by the African Handball Federation, known by its French acronym (CAHB). With the CAHB refusing to delay the event, Egypt then withdrew as host. The CAHB is now reportedly considering Morocco as a new host for the event, and some sources are either calling for Egypt to be banned from competing for two years citing that CAHB’s own regulations require this punishment.

Reports in the Algerian daily, La Tribune, allege that Egypt’s decision not to host are not related to security concerns, but instead are related to insufficient funds to stage the event. Additionally, La Tribune also reported that the Egyptian team was not prepared and that delaying the event was simply a ploy to allow more time to get their team in order.

The African Nations Championship is the premier handball event in Africa and serves as the qualifier for the Men’s and Women’s 2011 World Championship. As the event serves as a World Championship qualifier the International Handball Federation (IHF) could potentially intervene in this dispute. Notably, the President of the IHF, Dr Hassan Moustafa is also a former President of the Egyptian Federation.

AFP: Egypt not to host handball tournament in Algeria spat: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iF7mx4nDAv4qFGnS_5SzZCStt3mg
Reuters Africa: Egypt opts out as handball host over Algeria tension: http://af.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idAFJOE5AT0BF20091130
La Tribune (Algeria) (26 Nov 09): Egyptian Maneuvers: http://www.latribune-online.com/evenement/26043.html
La Tribune (Algeria) (29 Nov 09): Egypt, up against the wall: http://www.latribune-online.com/suplements/sportsup/26071.html
DZ Blog (Algeria) (2 Dec 09): Morocco: Egypt must be sanctioned: http://www.dzhand.net/index.php?post/2009/12/02/Le-Maroc-exige-de-sanctionner-l%E2%80%99Egypte

[html] Africa’s premiere tournament was recently held in Angola. Conducted every two years this tournament serves as the qualification both for the Olympics and the upcoming World Championships for both the Men and Women.
Women’s Results
As expected, Angola dominated the tournament winning every match by double digits except a pool play match against Congo 35-30. Cote d’Ivoire was the surprise team of the tournament as they upset Congo in the semifinals 29-28 to take 2^nd place in the tournament. Congo defeated Tunisia to secure 3^rd place.

Angola secures the automatic qualification to Beijing and Cote d’Ivoire will have the opportunity to qualify in a to be determined Olympic Qualification Tournament. Assumin the IHF follows previous World Championship qualification rules the top 4 teams (Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo and Tunisia) have qualified for the 2009 Women’s World Championships in China.

Final Standings
1) Angola
2) Cote d’Ivoire
3) Congo
4) Tunisia
5) Democratic Republic of Congo
6) Algeria
7) Cameroon
8 ) Gabon

Men’s Results
As expected, Olympic qualification came down to a gold medal game between Tunisia and Egypt, with the Pharoahs coming out on top 27-25. The Angolan men had a disappointing tournament. Despite, playing at home they barely advanced out of pool play and lost the 3^rd place match against Algeria.

Egypt has booked a ticket for Beijing while both Tunisia and Algeria will have another opportunity at an Olympic Qualification Tournament later this year. Algeria will be a long shot, but Tunisia should have a chance. Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria have also qualified for the 2009 World Championships in Croatia.

Final Standings
1) Egypt
2) Tunisia
3) Algeria
4) Angola
5) Democratic Republic of the Congo
6) Nigeria
7) Cameroon
8 ) Morocco

For more information on the tournament check out the official webpagehttp://www.can08-handball.ao/ And as a side note, it’s a pretty impressive webpage. Only the European and World Championship pages that have been done better. [/html]