After being hardly challenged in cruising through to the final without losing a game, they were given a far tougher challenge once there, prevailing 21-19 over their North African rivals.

This came after they had trailed 10-9 at half time.

It marked Egypt's first victory since 2008, and prevented the Tunisians adding to their triumphs in 2010 and 2012.

Egypt duly secured a place at Rio 2016 as well as at the 2017 World Men’s Handball Championship in France.

Angola beat Algeria 24-19 in the bronze medal match to reach the podium for the first time since 2004.

Both minor medallists also qualified for the World Championships.

Action will conclude at the European Men's Championships in Poland tomorrow with a final between Germany and Spain at the Tauron Arena in Kraków.

Norway will first face Croatia for bronze.