5 days ago
Qatar to meet South Korea in crucial Asia Cup clash today
Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatar national basketball team is gearing up for a critical showdown against South Korea on Friday in the second round of Group A action at the 31st edition of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The tournament, featuring 16 top Asian teams and organized by FIBA Asia, is being held in Saudi Arabia from August 5 to 17.
The highly-anticipated clash is scheduled at 11am local time at the King Abdullah Sports City arena in Jeddah. The game represents a turning point for both squads as they vie for advancement to the knockout stages.
Qatar, which secured third-place finishes in the 2003 and 2005 tournaments, enters the contest following a narrow 80-84 defeat to Lebanon in their opener.
Despite the loss, the team delivered a resilient and competitive performance, highlighted by American import Brandon Goodwin's standout effort of 33 points, five rebounds, and six assists, earning him recognition as the game's top performer.
South Korea, meanwhile, are looking to overcome a challenging start having suffered a lopsided 97-61 loss to Australia. The Australians dominated from the outset, powered by Jack McVeigh's exceptional long-range shooting that sealed an emphatic victory.
Nevertheless, South Korea boast a storied legacy in the competition, having claimed championships in 1969 (Thailand) and 1997 (Saudi Arabia). The team is determined to mount a strong comeback in this edition.
With Australia and Lebanon leading Group A on two points each, and Qatar and South Korea tied at one point apiece, the stakes are high in the battle for the top three spots that secure qualification. Qatar will wrap up its group stage campaign against Australia on August 10.
The Qatari delegation is led by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams, with support from Team Manager Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani and Administrative Assistant Nabil Jumaa.
Head Coach Hakan Demir of Turkey oversees the squad, assisted by Cengiz Karadag, Abdu So, Attila Yapciger, and Mohammed Fural. Administrative duties are managed by Jassim Ibrahim Ashkanani (Team Manager) and Nabil Jumaa (Administrative Assistant), while the medical team is headed by Dr. Adel Salem and Dr. Adel Hormia, alongside physiotherapist Nikasio Sagayno.
Qatar's 12-player roster includes: Brandon Goodwin, Alen Hadzibegovic, Seydou Ndoye, Zinedine Badri, Tyler Harris, Aladji Magassa, Omar Saad, Mustafa Ndaw, Mohammed Bashir, Babacar Dieng, Abdulrahman Saad, and Mahmoud Darwish.
A victory here would be a significant boost for Qatar's path to direct qualification or a spot in the crossover playoff games leading to the quarter-finals. Under the tournament format, group winners advance automatically, while second- and third-place teams compete in elimination crossovers.
