JEDDAH, 27 May 2008 — Al-Ahli battled to a 28-28 draw against Mudar and Al-Wehda defeated Al-Nour 22-20 during the second day of the season-ending Al-Nokhbah Handball Championship in Al-Qatif yesterday.
Ahli, who led 15-13 at halftime, also drew with Al-Khaleej 24-24 (13-13 halftime) on opening day on Sunday, while Mudar defeated Wehda 26-20 (11-9).
Ahli goalkeeper Manaf Yousif was far from convinced of his team’s performance, citing the fatigue factor in the drop of form.
Yousif said the Saudi Handball Federation should stop the tournament because the players are extremely exhausted from participating in three tournaments within five months.
“This tournament is bound to be a flop and the level of performance is getting lower and it shows from the results. The players continuously suffer from muscle cramps during the matches. Its not fair, we need to rest and we need a better plan for tournaments and training camps,” he said.
His teammate, Bandar Al-Harbi, agreed. “We requested they cancel this tournament. It is impossible to play daily for five days!,” he said.
He said since November they have been in and out of the country competing: in the 11th Pan Arab Games, then in the Asia qualifying tournament for the World Cup where the national team qualified, followed by the Saudi League in Jeddah, Saudi League in Eastern Province, Prince Sultan Cup in Jeddah, GCC Championship in Jeddah, finale of the Prince Cup in Eastern Province and then in Jeddah, and now the Nokhbah in Eastern Province with matches played daily for all five participating teams.
Al-Harbi added, “They also have to note the referees who are not doing their job well.”
Ahli meet Wehda and Al-Nour face Al-Khaleej in today’s matches.
Tomorrow, it will be Khaleej against Wehda and Mudar against Nour. On Thursday, the matches pit Mudar against Khaleej and Nour against Ahli. Semifinals and finals are to be scheduled later.
