- The Indomitable lionesses put up a brave fight against Croatia, but could not prevent a 15:24 defeat in the main round
- Croatia, who had already won their first game, secured their second victory and moved closer to the quarter-finals
- They will face Hungary next, after overcoming Cameroon, 24:15, while the lionesses will meet with Senegal
The handball lionesses of Cameroon have registered a second defeat in the main round of the women’s world handball championship, 15-24 to Croatia on Saturday.
The team who started the game well, took the lead with a goal from Genie Feudji, after Isabelle Mben saved a penalty from Dejana Milosavljevic.
However, Croatia soon took control and went on a 14:0 spree, breaking through Cameroon’s defence with ease and keeping them scoreless for 21 minutes.
Bertin Tabeth Njantou’s girls struggled to find their rhythm in attack, and were often stopped by Lucija Besen, who had a remarkable 54% save efficiency in the first half, reaching 76% at one point.
They managed to score five goals in the last eight minutes of the half, but Croatia still had a comfortable 18:6 advantage at the break.
In the second half, the team showed their fighting spirit with a 6:2 run, reducing the gap to 12:20 by the 43rd minute. Laeticia Ateba led the charge in attack, and Marie-Paule Balana made some amazing saves, keeping Croatia from scoring for eight minutes.
Croatia felt the pressure and improved their defence, scoring two goals in a row, but the score remained 22:12 for 11 minutes, as both teams failed to find the net until Cameroon’s Paola Ebanga ended the drought in the 55th minute.
Croatia’s win was never in doubt, but their attack in the second half was not convincing, as they only scored six goals in 30 minutes.
Balana, who only played in the second half, had an impressive 56% save rate, while Besen had 48%, and both goalkeepers did a great job.
Laeticia Ateba was the star of the match, scoring seven goals and earning the hummel Player of the Match award.
In the other Group fixture , Montenegro defeated Senegal 29-21
Cameroon will play Senegal on Monday at 3:30pm.
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