Bahrain’s FIBA Asia Cup dreams on the line after Syria loss

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The road to Jeddah just got tougher for Bahrain. The national team is grappling with the reality of missing out on direct qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 after a tough 76-67 loss to Syria in Doha on Monday night. While the defeat ends their automatic bid, Bahrain’s journey isn’t over yet—there’s still one last shot at redemption.

Last night ’s showdown against Syria was a must-win for Bahrain in Group F. Entering the game at 2-2, Bahrain had a direct path to qualification but fell victim to a fourth-quarter collapse. Syria’s Myron Gordon turned the game on its head, leading a late surge that erased Bahrain’s early lead and sealed the 76-67 upset.

Bahrain had previously battled hard in this final qualification window, losing 84-78 to Lebanon in Manama before heading to Doha. The Syria loss dropped them to 2-3, tied with the UAE but edged out on tiebreakers. Meanwhile, Syria (2-3) clinched the second qualification spot behind Lebanon (5-0), leaving Bahrain’s fate hanging.

Jeddah Dream: Not Over Yet

The FIBA Asia Cup 2025, set for August 5-17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, already has 12 qualified teams, including Lebanon, Japan, China, and Australia. Four more spots remain, and Bahrain’s only way in now is through the Final Qualifying Tournament later this year.

This last-chance tournament will feature Bahrain, India, Kazakhstan, Guam, Mongolia, and the UAE—all third-place finishers from the qualifiers—along with pre-selected teams Iraq, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei. The stakes mean only four teams will make it to Jeddah.

What’s Next

The focus shifts immediately to rebuilding and preparation. The defensive lapses and lategame struggles that cost them against Syria will need addressing. Coaches will have time to fine-tune Bahrain’s approach, while players like Ahmed Salman and Wayne Chism—who led the charge in past qualifiers—will be crucial.

Bahraini fans are already reacting online, with some calling the Syria loss a wake-up call while others remain hopeful for a Jeddah comeback.