Burgan faces Füchse Berlin in historic Club World Championship debut

Burgan preparing for the opener.

CAIRO, Sept. 24: Asian champion Burgan makes its historic debut at the IHF Men’s Club World Championship today when it takes on European champion Füchse Berlin at 6:45 p.m. at the New Administrative Capital Sports Hall in Egypt.

The Group B clash offers Burgan an immediate test against one of Europe’s leading clubs as it seeks to make an impact on its first appearance at the global tournament, which is hosted by Al Ahly and runs until Oct 1.

Burgan secured its place after winning the Asian Club Championship and arrived in Egypt after an intensive training camp in Bosnia, where it played several demanding friendlies to boost its physical and technical readiness.

Coach Yaqoub Al-Mousawi and assistant Nasser Bou Khadra will rely on a mix of local players and professionals, including Portuguese player Angel Hernandez. Japanese professional Yasuhiro is doubtful after picking up an injury before the team departed for Egypt.

Burgan will be aiming to showcase the quality of Kuwaiti handball while gaining valuable experience against a strong European opponent.

Four games are scheduled today. Moroccan side Montada Derb Sultan faces the winner of Zamalek and Los Angeles at 1:15 p.m., followed by Barcelona against Brazil’s Pinheiros at 3:30 p.m.

Al Ahly meets the winner of Veszprém and Sydney University at 8:45 p.m.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff