As expected, Kosovo's handball players suffered a heavy defeat to France, the world champion, at the start of the second qualifying phase for the 2026 European Championship.
Kosovo lost the Group 1 match held in Nimes, France, with a score of 43:12.
France, gold and silver medalists from the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Paris, ended the first half with a score of 20:5. The lead was deep in the second half as well.
Merlinda Qorraj scored six goals and was the most outstanding player for Kosovo, scoring half of the team's goals.
Arona Krasniqi scored two goals, while Tina Hetemi, Elisa Mulaj, Xhesika Mehmetaj and Mirjeta Bytyqi each scored one goal.
Alicia Toublanc had the most goals for France, eight in total.
Kosovo plays its next match against Croatia on Sunday in Pristina at 17:15.
Finland is also in the group.
Qualification for the European Championship is also possible from third place in the group, where Kosovo sees the opportunity.