Skopje, 13 May 2024 (MIA) - The Macedonian handball team defeated the Faroe Islands late Sunday at the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center in Skopje with a score of 34:26, securing their place in 2025 IHF World Men's Handball Championship.

The eight-goal difference was sufficient to nullify the seven negatives from the first leg of the World Cup playoffs played on the away ground, which the Faroese won 34:27.

After the first 30 minutes, North Macedonia led 19-15, achieving a desired +7 lead in the 37th minute, and at times held a lead of up to nine points.

Zharko Peshevski was the top scorer in the winning team with eight goals. Filip Kuzmanovski scored seven, Marko Mitev six, and Martin Serafimov five goals.

Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Czechia, Spain, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Portugal, Iceland, Poland and Austria join other 18 qualified teams, taking the total to 29 sides having already secured their places for the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship.

The draw for the preliminary round of the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship is scheduled for 29 May.

Photo: MIA