The Palau d’Esports de Granollers was the scene of a continental clash between Congo and Tunisia. What was supposed to be a qualification match for the main round turned into a nice revenge for the Red Devils who were once again facing the Tunisians.

As a matter of fact, during the semi-final of the 24th Seniors Women’s Africa Nations Cameroon 2021, Tunisia had won the 3rd place of the competition in front of Congo, leaving the young team a bitter aftertaste.

Despite the injury of one of their best players the left wing Josephine Nkou, this last round will give the Red Devils the opportunity to take their revenge by a victory of 33:24 (9:18). Thanks to this triumph, Congo qualified for the first time for the main round of a World Handball Championship.

Coach Younes Tatby

“I want to congratulate my players for staying motivated for the whole competition. For the two first games we did a lot of translation. Tunisia knows us really well. We really analysed and dissected them, their weakness and strengths.

“I am thankful for my players who really listened to my instructions. We are really satisfied with their work because we only started in March. They’ve written a new page of history in African and Congolese handball. Now we are in the second round and will play against great nations. We are going to learn and prepare the team for this.

“We had a good regulation with the line player. We tried to close in the centre and bring the players to the periphery, but the most important thing was the team followed our instructions. We tried to make a really united defence and it really isn’t easy to hold a defence 0-6 soldered at four for 60 minutes. The will of revenge really gave us the strength and energy.” (from ihf.info)

Captain Diane Gaelle Yimga

“I’m really proud because we worked a lot since March. We had ups and downs during preparation, it was never easy. We really held back. The Korea vs Tunisia match was a big warning for us to see that Tunisia were really ‘into’ the competition and it wouldn’t be easier for the future. 

“Today we followed the instructions and the technical advice of the technical team who I want to thank. We are really proud of the result, as the coach said, we made history for African, Congolese and international handball.” (from ihf.info)

Captain and right wing Diane Gaelle Yimga scored 11 goals against Tunisia to finish as the hummel Player of the Match.