Lugi Handball defeated IFK Ystad 27-26 in a tough derby match, bolstering their lead in the Allsvenskan. Two 19-year-old talents stepped up to secure the win, but coach Ola Månsson questions if the young team is ready for Handbollsligan. With six rounds left, Lugi leads the table by four points.
Lugi Handball is on track to return to Handbollsligan after a season of underperformance and relegation risks. Under new coach Ola Månsson, the squad has been rejuvenated with young players like Viggo Håkansson, Ola Petersson, Albin Sjögren, Oskar Andersson, Mattias Söderberg, and Anton Sandström. Experienced names such as Leo Gegaj, Albert Månsson, and Emil Lindqvist provide some routine, but sports director Robert Månsson has focused on long-term development.
Saturday's derby against IFK Ystad, who are fighting to avoid relegation, turned into a sweaty affair. Lugi never led comfortably, and the match ended 27-26 after a 11-11 halftime. Two 19-year-old unknowns stepped up to save the win, keeping the league title within reach. Lugi now leads the table by four points ahead of Skånela, who have two games in hand.
After the match, Ola Månsson said: 'We have six rounds left and I see us at least as qualified for the qualifiers.' He has previously stated that he wants to promote when the team is fully ready to avoid immediate relegation. The question remains whether the young squad can compete in the higher league next season, or if more stability needs to be built.
