By FAWAD HUSSAIN
DOHA: Qatar’s Al Sadd battled back from a 11-17 deficit to snatch victory from jaws of defeat against SG Flensburg Handewitt to move into the final of IHF Super Globe.
Yesterday in a thrilling semi-final at the Qatar Handball Association Complex the local side, one of the two competing in the semis, stunned the European champions 27-26.
In today’s final Al Sadd will take on FC Barcelona.
The second Qatari club was not so lucky.
Defending champions FC Barcelona shattered El Jaish’s hopes with a clinical 39-29 victory in the second semi-final.
In what was arguably the most exciting battles of the tournament, Al Sadd made a strong fightback in the last quarter of the match to shock Flensburg who led in the first three quarters of the match.
Centre back Janko Kevic was the star for the home fans with his tally of eight goals as the 2002 champions bounced back from a deficit of 11-17 in the first half.
Goal-keepers Yousuf Al Abdulla and Abdelmalik Slahdji also excelled to tone down the European giants.
“On paper we were a weak side than Flensburg but we believed in ourselves,” Al Sadd coach Mongi Bannani said after the nail-biting win.
“The team performed very well in the second half to achieve what seemed to be an impossible task. Our players were better in the game as compared to Flensburg physically.”
“Our morale is high after the win and we will go in the final with full confidence,” said Bannani.
“We will meet FC Barcelona and we are ready to give a good show against another European giant.”
Al Sadd were trailing (22-23) until 22nd minute of the final session before Al Shammari leveled the score.
Flensburg regained the lead in the next minute and Al Shammari scored again to make scores even. With just three minutes left to final time, the score was 26-26 and it was Kevic who sealed the classy win with a goal in the penultimate minute.
Flensburg got a chance to level but Slahdji made a brilliant save in the last-minute penalty to ensure final berth for the hosts after four years.
“The coach’s plan worked as we exhausted them in the first half,” Al Sadd’s player Jaafar Salman told reporters.
“Flensburg are a strong side but we believed nothing is impossible and we made it happen.”
Flensburg coach Ljubomir Vranjes praised Al Sadd’s performance in the semi-final.
“We failed to maintain the momentum in the second half. Al Sadd did a good job and deserved to win,” said Vranjes.
Meanwhile, holders FC Barcelona ensured no drama in the second semi-final involving El Jaish, backed by a good number of home spectators.
The Asian champions seeking to avenge their loss in semi-final of last year’s edition started off aggressively and looked in good nick until the first quarter before the defending champions took control of the match and led the first half 19-14.
Jesper Noddesbo and Siarhei Rutenka were the top scorers for FC Barcelona with six goals apiece.
Mosbah Sonai top scored for El Jaish with seven goals.
Barcelona player, Nikola Karabatic said they adopted an offensive approach right from the start.
“After seeing what Al Sadd did in the first semi-final we went all the way for a victory and gave our hundred percent. The Qatari sides are improving with each passing year and we were aware of the threat against (El Jaish) so we went all out for a win.”
On today’s final, Karabatic said: “We will forget our group win against Al Sadd and go focused in the final to retain our title. Al Sadd proved they can beat any opposition in the world.”
For Barca’s coach Xavier Pascual it was time for twin celebrations yesterday.
“I am happy with the win and performance of the players. I will like to dedicate this win to my son on his birthday today,” Barcelona coach Xavier Pascual said.
Coach of the losing Qatari side said the team which played better won.
“Barca were a better side but I will like to congratulate my players for their performance in the tournament. We are now targeting third position in our match against Flensburg,” El Jaish coach Kastratovic Zoran said.
Meanwhile, wild card entrants Al Ahli were handed a 38-22 drubbing by African champions Esperance Tunis in the 5-8 placement round game.
Al Ahli will now be hoping to overcome Sydney University (SUHC) to avoid the wooden spoon in the 7-8 position match today.
In the second placement round match SUHC lost to Pan American champions Taubate 23-15.The Peninsula
