Doha: The first round of the 2024-2025 Amir Cup Basketball Championship semi-finals kicked off on Thursday evening, May 15, 2025.
The Al-Gharafa Club Indoor Hall witnessed two thrilling games, in which Al-Arabi and Al-Rayyan achieved important victories over Al-Wakrah and Al-Ahli, respectively. Both teams took the first step towards the long-awaited final.
In the first game of the round, Al-Arabi showed a solid performance, achieving a resounding victory over Al-Wakrah (111-84), clearly dominating from the start.
Al-Arabi entered the game visibly determined to settle the score early, dominating the first period (32-10) thanks to a solid defensive performance and quick transitions to attack.
They continued their dominance in the second period, which ended 24-20. In the third quarter, Al-Arabi maintained their high performance level and prevailed again (27-23).
The fourth quarter saw a relative advantage for Al-Wakrah, who tried to close the gap and managed to reduce it (31-28), but it was not enough to change the final score. Sindou Ismaïl Diallo of Al-Wakrah was the top scorer of the game with 26 points. Al-Arabi’s professional player, Elmedin Kikanovic, shone with 22 points and played a pivotal role in securing the victory.
In the second game, Al-Rayyan demonstrated their readiness to fight for the title by securing a valuable victory over Al-Ahli (88-79) in a difficult encounter that featured similar technical levels and was characterised by competitiveness throughout the four periods.
The game started at an even pace, with both teams alternating the lead, before Al Ahli narrowly won the first period (20-19).
The pace of the competition intensified in the second period, with Al Ahli in front (24-22). The third period was the most decisive of the match, as Al Rayyan extended their lead (22-18), relying on the experience of their players and their quick movements in the penalty area.
Al Rayyan continued their dominance in the fourth period, securing the victory (25-17). Justin Jamal Wright-Foreman of Al Rayyan led the scorers with 26 points, while Terry Quanell led Al Ahli with 21 points.
The semi-final games are scheduled to continue with the second round on Saturday, May 17, 2025, where Al Arabi will face Al Wakrah, and Al Rayyan will face Al Ahli again.
Both Al Wakrah and Al Ahli will hope to secure a victory and return to the competition, forcing a third playoff, scheduled—if necessary—for Monday, May 19, 2025.
If Al Arabi and Al Rayyan win again, qualification for the final on May 22, 2025, will be decided directly, without the need for a playoff.
