Algeria beaten by Egypt in African Goalball Championships
Algeria lost against the buoyant Egyptians in the IBSA African Goalball Championships on December 14.
The week-long tournament began on December 8 and takes place on a yearly basis.
In what was a pulsating rematch in Cairo, Egypt beat their North African opponents 4-3, ending Algeria’s continental dominance.
A day prior, Algeria succumbed to defeat (12-5) against the impressive hosts. Algeria were also 11-1 victors against Ghana on the same day.
They finished second behind Egypt, ahead of Ghana and Ivory Coast, third and fourth respectively in the final standings.
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A key part of disability sport, goalball is designed for those who are partially sighted and is similar to handball although it has no able-bodied equivalent. Like blind football, the spherical has bells in it so that the 6 players, 2 teams of 3, know where the ball is. The game is played indoors and usually on a volleyball court.
The sport will feature in next year’s Paralympic Games in Paris as the city continues to prepare for the global event. Egypt’s triumph means that they have booked a place at the games.
The Algerian women’s team also made it to the final which will take place on December 15.
IBSA
