Doha: Al Gharafa secured their place in the semifinals of the 37th GCC men handball club cup winners championship thanks to a 24-19 win over Al Sharjah in the second round of the group stage.
The match was good overall with Al Gharafa assuming control of the most part of it despite recurring attempts from the UAE side to return to the game.
Al Gharafa ensured their semifinal berth after Bahrain's Al Ahli and Saudi side Al Noor drew their match earlier today to give Al Gharafa the top place on four points from two wins ahead of Al Ahli on three points, Al Noor on a single point and Al Sharjah bottom without points.
The Qatari side will face Al Ahli in the last match of the group stage today. Group winners will face the second-placed team from Group B. Some key players are expected to be rested for the Friday match ahead of semifinals.
Following their draw against Al Ahli in the other match, Asian champions Al Noor must score a big win against Al Sharjah and hope for Al Gharafa win against Al Ahli if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the semifinals. The tournament is played in one-round league format, with the group stage set to conclude on Saturday and teams take Sunday off.
