Cairo: Egypt wasted a chance to kick-off their 2007 World Handball Championship with a win after losing to title holders Spain 33-29 in Bremen on Saturday.

Spain are joint leaders with Czech Republic in Group D with two points while Egypt is third with no points.

Egypt produced a fine display in the first-half, inspired by Ahmed Al-Ahmar s prolific finishing which resulted in him scoring seven goals.

The Pharaohs could have gone to the dressing room with a comfortable lead but a series of suspensions halted their progress.

Egypt kept up at least a two-goal advantage over their opponents in the first 20 minutes but a late return by Spain saw them claim a 16-16 draw before halftime.

Although Egypt began the second period with a 20-17 lead with the help of star Hussein Zaki, Spain soon found their rhythm and went in front for the first time with a 25-24 score before wrapping up the win.