Doha: Al Sadd SC and Al Rayyan SC began their campaigns in the 2025–2026 Qatar Basketball Cup on a strong note, registering impressive quarterfinal victories at Al Rayyan Club Hall on Wednesday.
In the opening game, Al Sadd underlined their title credentials with a 78–67 win over Al Ahli SC. “The Boss” dominated early proceedings, storming to a 23–9 lead in the first quarter through aggressive defence and quick transitions that unsettled their opponents.
Al Ahli responded in the second quarter, taking it 25–20 with improved shooting from beyond the arc and capitalising on defensive lapses to reduce the deficit. However, Al Sadd regained control in the third quarter, edging it 17–12 with disciplined game management and strong rebounding.
Despite a spirited 21–18 effort from Al Ahli in the final quarter, Al Sadd maintained their advantage to seal a deserved victory.
Mustafa Fouda led the charge for Al Sadd, scoring 18 points and delivering an all-round performance to earn the “Best Qatari Player of the Match” award, presented by Musafir Trading & Transport. For Al Ahli, Mohamed Hashem Zidan was the standout with 15 points.
With the win, Al Sadd progressed to a highly-anticipated clash against defending champions Al Arabi SC on April 11 at Al Gharafa Hall.
In the second game, Al Rayyan produced a dominant display to defeat Al Khor SC 70–47. Al Rayyan made a flying start, taking the first quarter 23–6 with tight defence and effective fast breaks.
Al Khor showed improvement in the second quarter, narrowly winning it 14–12, but Al Rayyan quickly reasserted control in the third period (21–16) through varied attacking options and superiority on the boards. They closed out the game by taking the final quarter 14–11 to book their place in the semifinals.
Abdullah Yassin Moussa was Al Rayyan’s top scorer with 15 points and received the “Best Qatari Player of the Match” award, also presented by Musafir Trading & Transport. Djibiero Demba Diom led Al Khor with 15 points.
Quarterfinal action continues today at Al Gharafa Hall, with Al Wakrah SC facing Qatar SC, followed by Al Gharafa SC taking on Al Shamal SC.
The semifinals are scheduled for April 13, with Al Rayyan set to meet the winner of Al Arabi and Al Sadd, while the other semifinal will feature the winners of Al Wakrah vs Qatar SC and Al Gharafa vs Al Shamal.
The final of the 13th edition will be held on April 16 at Al Gharafa Hall, where the champion will be crowned. Historically, Al Gharafa and Al Arabi lead the competition with four titles each, while Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah and Al Sadd have claimed one title apiece.
