Al-Khaleej have been knocked out of the IHF Super Globe 2022 after losing 35-29 to reigning champions SC Magdeburg in Dammam on Thursday night.
The Saudi team had given themselves hope of reaching the semifinals by beating Sydney Uni 35-21 in Group A on Wednesday night, but defeat to the formidable Germans meant they exited the 12-team tournament alongside Mudhar, the Kingdom’s other representatives, who lost both of their Group B matches.
In Thursday’s other games, Spain’s Barcelona beat Esperance of Tunisia 37-24 in Group D, Al-Ahly of Egypt overcame Portugal’s SL Benfica 29-28 in Group C and Kielce of Poland defeated Taubate of Brazil 29-30 in Group B.
The results mean SC Magdeburg, Kielce, Al-Ahly and Barcelona are all through to the semifinals.