Bahrain’s Bounceback Sends Egypt Crashing

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s 91–85 win over Egypt last night was a jolt through the Championship. After two straight defeats and with their title hopes wobbling, the hosts stepped onto the court at Khalifa Sports City seeking rejuvenation, and got just that. They sent shockwaves by toppling the unbeaten, defending champions in front of the watching eye of HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Ali Hussain sealed it with a composed layup in the final seconds, before Egypt’s desperate midcourt heave missed wide at the buzzer.

Mustafa’s Moment

Mustafa Hussain was unplayable again, pouring in 27 points and earning man-of-the-match honours. While JaKarr Sampson extended his 20+ point streak with 28 more, it was Hussain’s shot-making and floor control that tilted the game Bahrain’s way. They edged the first quarter 28–25, matched Egypt 25–25 in the second, edged the third (13–11), and pulled away late with a 27–22 final frame.

Egypt Exposed

Briefly Mazen Mohamed and Ebrahim Amin combined for 36 points, and Mohamed Ashraf grabbed 10 rebounds, but Egypt’s rotations never fully clicked. Despite Amin’s 9 assists, Bahrain punished late lapses, with Wayne Chism’s blocks and second-chance plays proving decisive.

Algeria Stay Perfect

Algeria beat Qatar 92–66, led by man of the match Ben Zaim Sid (21 points, 11 rebounds). Sofiane Briki added 17, as Algeria’s fast start set the tone. Qatar’s Janik (19 pts) and Moosa (17) impressed, but couldn’t contain the pace.

Tunisia on the Climb

Tunisia pipped the UAE 78–70, with Omar Abada scoring 18 and man of the match Yacine Toumi adding 14 points and two blocks. Despite 27 from Dickerson, Tunisia held firm. Toumi called the American guard “a great player” and added, “UAE are no pushover — they beat Bahrain. Every match is a final,” as Tunisia prepares to face Egypt tonight.

Today’s Schedule

Qatar face UAE (4PM), Kuwait meet Algeria (6PM), and Egypt take on Tunisia (8PM). Bahrain rest today and tomorrow before facing Algeria on Friday at 8PM.