Players fighting for the ball.

RIYADH, Nov 15: The Kuwait national handball team will take on Iraq today in the second round of Group B at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, currently underway in Riyadh. The same group will also feature a clash between Bahrain and host nation Saudi Arabia, while Group A sees Iran face the Maldives and Qatar meet the UAE.

The opening round saw Kuwait fall narrowly to Bahrain 27–28 despite a strong effort. Saudi Arabia defeated Iraq 33–21, Qatar swept past Iran 39–23, and the UAE recorded a commanding 53–10 win over the Maldives.

Head coach Aron Kristjánsson and his assistant Heini Guðfinnsson are looking to address the errors from the first match, even though Kuwait delivered an impressive and spirited performance against Bahrain despite the absence of several key players.

Today’s encounter with Iraq is a crucial opportunity for Kuwait to return to winning ways, as a victory would provide significant momentum ahead of their final group-stage matchup against Saudi Arabia in two days. A win would also keep the team firmly in contention for a semifinal berth.

Under tournament regulations, the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals, scheduled for the 19th of this month, with the final set for the 21st.

The Kuwaiti delegation is headed by Handball Federation Treasurer Khaled Taleb and includes team manager Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi, head coach Kristjánsson, assistant coach Guðfinnsson, performance analyst Ayman Al-Sheikh, goalkeeper coach Marwan Maqayez, physiotherapists Mahdi Bakoush and Ra’i, along with 16 players.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff