Düsseldorf, 10 January 2024 (MIA) - Tonight, in Düsseldorf, the Macedonian men's handball team was defeated by France with a score of 39-29 at the opening of the 2024 EHF European Men's Handball Championship. Germany is hosting the championship, which will continue until January 28.

In front of a record-breaking crowd of over 53,000 fans at the Merkur Spiel-Arena, the team led by coach Kiril Lazarov kicked off the match well against the reigning Olympic champions. Taking the lead for the first time after nine minutes of play, they were ahead with a score of 6:5.

The Macedonian handball team reached a maximum lead of 10:8 within the first 15 minutes, leading to the first timeout in the French camp. Following this break, France executed a 4:0 series, seizing control of the game.

France firmly but slowly increased their advantage on the scoreboard in the second half, with Dylan Nahi and Dika Mem playing a key role, respectively scoring six and seven.

Pivot Zharko Peshevski shone as the top scorer for the Macedonian team, netting seven goals, while goalkeeper Nikola Mitrevski made 10 crucial saves.

Macedonian handball team will play against the host Germany on Sunday in the second round of Group A.

Photo: MIA