Incheon, South Korea: Li An and Yu Yanjiang accounted for eleven goals between themselves as China humbled the UAE 25-22 in their Group C preliminary round match of the handball competition at the Seonhak Handball Gymnasium here late on Saturday.
The UAE was late off the blocks missing easy chances before goal and they were made to pay for this as China led 2-0 within a minute. The Chinese put up a solid defence line and with Zhao Xin and Yu Yangjiang serving the flanks well, they remained firmly in control as they went off for the half-time break with a five-goal lead at 14-9.
The UAE made a good start to the second half with Shehab Al Baloushi scoring a brace and Waheed Al Baloushi adding one to draw close to within two goals at 14-12. But that only woke the Chinese up as they went on a three-goal spree to restore their lead 17-12.
Thereafter, China controlled proceedings paying greater attention to their defence and giving the UAE attackers very little liberty upfront. Shehab Al Baloushi and Marzooq Al Beloushi scored three goals apiece. The UAE play Asian champions Qatar on Sunday and take on Oman in their final group match on Monday.
“This is not the match we wanted. We got off the blocks a bit late and before we realised it, China was well ahead. There are so many lessons to be learn,” UAE skipper and goalkeeper Abdullah Ahmad told Gulf News.
“Hopefully, we will play much better tomorrow [Sunday] against our traditional opponents Qatar and keep our hopes alive for the next stage,” he added.
Earlier this year, the UAE created history after ending in fourth place in the Asian qualifiers to book their place for next year’s 24th Men’s Handball World Championship to be held from January 15 to February 1 in neighbouring Qatar.
