Action during the match between Qatar and Kuwait.
Doha: Qatar’s continued their impressive run in the Gulf Qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Asian Championship with a commanding 81-53 victory over Kuwait yesterday, strengthening its position at the top of the standings alongside Bahrain with four points.
The hosts delivered another dominant performance at Al Gharafa Sports Hall, following their thrilling 80-76 opening win over Saudi Arabia, to move a step closer to securing one of the two qualifying spots for the Asian Championship, which will be held in Ahmedabad, India, next month.
Qatar controlled the contest from the outset, taking the first quarter 20-14 before extending the lead with a 26-13 second quarter.
The home side maintained its momentum after the break, winning the third period 25-14. Kuwait claimed the final quarter 12-10, but Qatar had already built an unassailable advantage.
Abdullah Yassin starred for Qatar with a game-high 21 points, while Kuwait’s Ali Al-Hindal finished as his team’s leading scorer with 11 points.
Hosted by Qatar from July 25 to 30, the Gulf qualifiers feature Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman competing in a single round-robin format.
The top two teams will qualify for the FIBA U18 Asian Championship.
Qatar have shown steady improvement across its opening two matches, combining disciplined defense, quick transitions and effective teamwork to emerge as one of the tournament favourites.
The Qatari squad includes captain Abdullah Yassin, Tamim Ashraf Abouissa, Mishal Khalid Al-Mughni, Moaz Omar Mousa, Azzam Mohammed Yaken, Ziad Tamer Al-Johari, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Mousa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader and Shahi Mohammed.
The team is coached by Cengiz Karadag assisted by Abdo Al-Harji, Hashem Zaidan and Munir Ben Ghalla.
In the day’s other match, Bahrain cruised to a 94-49 victory over Oman to remain unbeaten.Bahrain dominated throughout, building a comfortable lead with quarter scores of 22-12, 30-10 and 25-9 before Oman narrowly edged the final period 18-17.
After two rounds, Qatar and Bahrain share the leadwhile Oman and Kuwait have three points apiece. Saudi Arabia arefifth with two points. The tournament resumes tomorrow after a rest day, with Saudi Arabia taking on Kuwait at 5:00 p.m. before Qatar meets Oman at 7:00 p.m. at Al Gharafa Sports Hall.
