Cyprus vs Kosovo

The first-half lead Kosovo built proved decisive. Cyprus never managed to erase the two-goal deficit at the break, and Kosovo's ability to keep the scoreboard ticking over — particularly after the interval — prevented any sustained Cypriot comeback. The four-goal margin at the final whistle (31–27) was the widest of the match, reflecting Kosovo's controlled game management in a closely contested fixture.

Kosovo's attacking unit shared the scoring load effectively, with multiple players contributing to the 31-goal tally. Without named player statistics available from the official provider, the collective discipline in attack — particularly the 18 second-half goals — stood out. Cyprus showed improvement in their offensive output compared to the 20-goal performance against Italy two days earlier, but could not contain Kosovo's rhythm.

Kosovo's 31 goals marked a slight drop-off from the 35 they scored against Tunisia on 29 August, but they were far more efficient defensively, conceding 12 fewer goals than in that 39–35 loss. Cyprus's 27 goals were a clear step up from the 20 they managed against Italy two days earlier, though the defence could not sustain pressure across the full 60 minutes. The half-time scoreline (13–11) and second-half scoring (18–16 to Kosovo) suggest a game that was competitive throughout but never truly in Cyprus's control.

Kosovo finish seventh in their first-ever Mediterranean Games men's handball appearance — a respectable outcome for a nation that entered the tournament as one of the least experienced sides. Both teams entered the knockout phase after winless group-stage campaigns: Kosovo finished fourth in Group A (0–3), having faced hosts Italy, Egypt and Portugal, while Cyprus placed fourth in Group B (0–3) against Tunisia, Algeria and Greece.

Seventh place gives Kosovo a foundation to build on for future international competitions. Cyprus end the tournament in eighth, having shown flashes of improvement in the classification phase. The gold medal match between Egypt and Greece was scheduled later on 31 August at the same venue.

A clean, workmanlike performance from Kosovo. They built a first-half lead and managed the game sensibly from there, never allowing Cyprus back into the contest. Cyprus competed but lacked the cutting edge to turn the match. Seventh place is a solid return for Kosovo's debut Mediterranean Games campaign.