Bahrain face Qatar, Saudi in Asia Cup warm-ups
Bahrain will put their Asia Cup hopes through one last Gulf test in Doha next week, taking on Qatar and Saudi Arabia just days before their qualifying campaign begins in Dubai.
The Reds face hosts Qatar on Thursday, August 20, before meeting Saudi Arabia on Friday, August 21, in a three-team warm-up tournament. Both games start at 7pm Bahrain time at Al Janoub Stadium hall.
The short Doha stay is the final match test before Bahrain head to the UAE for the first round of the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers.
Bahrain have been drawn with the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Nepal and open against Oman on August 27. The UAE follow a day later, before games against Nepal on August 30 and Kuwait on August 31.
Three teams from the group will go through to the second qualifying round.
That leaves little room for a slow start and gives the Qatar and Saudi matches added weight. The coaching staff will use them to judge form, cut down mistakes and sharpen defensive work before the first points are at stake.
The squad has continued training in Bahrain, with work centred on fitness, ball control and team play.
Two Gulf opponents should also offer a useful gauge. Bahrain will meet three more Gulf sides in Dubai, with Oman, the UAE and Kuwait all standing between the Reds and a place in the next round.
Bahrain are trying to fight their way back to the continental finals after missing the 2025 Asia Cup in Jeddah. Their last qualifying run ended with defeats by India and Iraq.
The senior side also has the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya on its calendar later this year.
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