Iran ended their 2018 Asian Men's Handball Championship by defeating Japan 33-28 on Friday.

Team Melli failed to book a place at the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship, after suffering two defeats against Saudi Arabia and South Korea in Group 1.

Iran beat Uzbekistan (37-18) and Japan (37-32) in Group A to advance to the next stage as the first team.

Borut Macek's men also defeated Oman 40-25 in Group 1 but it doesn’t help them to qualify for the competition’s semi-final after being defeated against Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

The Asian Men's Handball Championship is being held at Suwon, South Korea from Jan. 18 to 28.

Qatar, who have won the last two editions, have already qualified for the final match after beating South Korea 32-21. The Qataris will play the winner of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the final match on Jan. 28.

Qatar, South Korea, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have advanced to the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship in Denmark and Germany as the four top teams.