By Staff Reporter
Doha: Qatar’s men’s national basketball team produced a determined second-half comeback but ultimately suffered an 86-80 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the rescheduled second-window Asian qualifier for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027 at Al Gharafa Sports Hall on Monday.
The closely contested Group D encounter featured several momentum swings, with Saudi Arabia taking control early before Qatar responded strongly after the break.
The visitors dominated the opening quarter, capitalising on fast breaks, accurate shooting and defensive pressure to establish a 29-20 advantage. Saudi Arabia maintained its momentum in the second period, edging Qatar 17-15 to take a comfortable lead into halftime.
Qatar emerged with renewed determination after the interval, improving at both ends of the floor. The hosts claimed the third quarter 24-22 as they began to chip away at the deficit through disciplined defence and more effective offensive execution.
The home side carried that momentum into the final quarter, outscoring Saudi Arabia 21-18 in a spirited finish. Despite the late rally, Qatar was unable to erase the first-half deficit, with Saudi Arabia holding on to secure a six-point victory.
The result lifts Saudi Arabia to seven points in Group D, while Qatar moves to six points. The group also features Lebanon and India, leaving the race for qualification to the next stage finely balanced.
Qatar has shown encouraging progress throughout the qualifying campaign despite the setback. The team opened with a narrow 75-74 defeat to Lebanon in Doha before recording a crucial 86-83 away victory over the same opponents. It then produced an emphatic 99-73 win over India, demonstrating its growing competitiveness in the continental qualifiers.
The national team will now shift its focus to the third qualification window, beginning with an away clash against India in Ahmedabad on July 2, followed by another meeting with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on July 5.
The Qatari delegation is headed by Qatar Basketball Federation Secretary-General and Director of National Teams Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari. The management team includes Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Assistant Manager Nabil Jumaa.
The squad is coached by Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, assisted by Cengiz Karadag, Mirsad Memic and Abdou Sow, while Mohamed Vural serves as strength and conditioning coach. The medical staff comprises Dr Adel Harmia, Dr Adel Selim and Nikasio Sagaino.
Qatar’s 12-player roster for the qualifiers includes Abdulrahman Saad, Mostafa Fouda, Omar Saad, Zeineddine Badr, Mohamed Hashem, Mostafa Nado, Babacar Dieng, Ousmane Dieng, Aladji Bobo Magassa, Alen Hadzibegovic, Donte Grantham and Mahmoud Darwish.
With two decisive away fixtures remaining in the current qualification window, Qatar will be aiming to bounce back quickly and strengthen its bid for a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027.
