Former Challenge Cup winners make the Most of it

Among the many surprises in this Women’s EHF Cup season, Banik Most caused a true sensation in Round 3.

After easily eliminating Dutch champions Dalfsen, the Czech champions faced the 2008 EHF Champions League winners, Russian powerhouse Zvezda Zvenigorod.

They suffered an expected 31:28 defeat in Russia, but Most hit back in impressive style on home court as they stormed over Zvezda and won 32:22, thanks to 12 goals of Slovak international Simona Szarkova. Their dream of reaching the group phase had come true.

Last month, four Most players proved their significance for the Czech team as well. At the World Championship in Germany, they eliminated Romania in the Last 16 and came up just short in the quarter-finals against eventual bronze medallists Netherlands.

Marketa Jerabkova scored 43 times, and was the second best Czech scorer behind current EHF Champions League top scorer Iveta Luzumova.

Most, coached by Peter David, who earlier led Tatran Presov in the Men’s EHF Cup, are eager to continue on the winners’ way as they face Larvik, Höörs and Zalau in Group D.

“We want to surprise our opponents and hope to make it to the quarter-finals,” says David. The coach is expecting “two fast-paced sides” (Larvik and Höörs) and one “powerful opponent” (Zalau).

As potential finalists, Martin predicts two Scandinavian participants, Vipers Kristiansand and Viborg.

Most, the Challenge Cup winners five years ago when they beat Croatian side Samobor in the finals, have now become the first ever Czech side to reach the group phase of either the Men’s or Women’s EHF Cup since the format was implemented.

DHK Banik Most (CZE)

Qualification for the EHF Cup Group Phase 2017/18: Round 2: 28:20, 32:28 against Dalfsen (NED), Round 3: 33:22, 28:31 against Zvezda Zvenigorod (RUS)

Newcomers: Michaela Janoušková (Beyeröhder Handball), Katarína Kostelná (HK AS Trenčín), Kristýna Opátová (HK AS Trenčín)

Left the club: -

Coach: Peter David (since January 2015)

Team captain: Petra Maňáková

Opponents in the group matches: Larvik, Höörs and Zalau in Group D

Women’s EHF Champions League records:
-

Other EC records:

Cup Winners’ Cup:
-

EHF Cup:
Last 16: 2013/14

EHF Challenge Cup:
Winners: 2012/13
Quarter-finals 2011/12

Czech league: 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17
Czech cup: 2015/16, 2014/15, 2013/14