Ayo Victor
Doha: Al Ahli SC and Al Sadd SC secured their spots in the semifinals of the 2025–2026 Amir Cup basketball competition after overcoming Al Wakrah SC and Al Shamal SC respectively in Saturday’s quarterfinal clashes at Al Gharafa Hall.
Al Ahli registered an 85–72 victory over Al Wakrah in a contest marked by sustained intensity across all four quarters. Al Ahli set the tone early, capitalising on a disciplined defensive structure and efficient transition play to take the opening quarter 18–10. Al Wakrah responded in the second period, edging it 20–18 to stay within reach.
However, Al Ahli reasserted control after the break, delivering a decisive 25–15 third-quarter performance that proved pivotal. Despite Al Wakrah’s late push, winning the final quarter 27–24, the deficit was too large to overturn. Raekwon Deshawn Rogers led Al Ahli with an impressive 31-point haul, while Wesley Mark Alsiger paced Al Wakrah with 28 points.
In the second quarterfinal, Al Sadd staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Al Shamal 107–96 in a high-scoring encounter. Al Shamal dominated the first half, claiming the opening two quarters 24–21 and 28–20 to build a commanding lead.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter as Al Sadd produced a dominant 38–17 run, turning the game on its head. They maintained composure in the final period, narrowly winning it 28–27 to seal victory. Tyree Quannell Crump delivered a standout individual performance for Al Shamal with a game-high 39 points, while Steven Green spearheaded Al Sadd’s charge with 29 points.
The quarterfinal stage continues on Sunday, with Al Gharafa SC set to face Al Rayyan SC at 6:05 PM, followed by a clash between Al Arabi SC and Qatar SC at 8:00 PM. Al Arabi enter the tie as reigning Qatar League and Qatar Cup champions, while Qatar SC progressed from the qualifiers with a 92–72 win over Al Khor.
The semifinals are scheduled for May 4 at Al Gharafa Hall, with Al Ahli set to meet the winner of Al Arabi versus Qatar SC at 6:00 PM, followed by Al Sadd taking on the winner of Al Gharafa versus Al Rayyan at 8:00 PM. The final will be played on May 6 at 6:30 PM.
Defending champions Al Rayyan had lifted last season’s title after defeating Al Arabi 77–70 in the 2024–2025 final.
