Algeria crowned unbeaten champions as Bahrain wrap up with win over Kuwait

Bahrain finished the 26th Men’s Arab Basketball Championship on a high last night with a 89-74 win over Kuwait, with Mustafa Hussain posting 20+ points yet again. Algeria sealed the title on Friday but gave a stunning encore at Khalifa Sports City—joining the Bahraini crowd to dance, chant, and celebrate in a true show of Arab unity.

On the court, Bahrain came out flying. Having lost to Algeria just one day prior, the hosts weren’t about to let Kuwait spoil their send-off. Mustafa Hussain Ali led with 21 points and 8 assists, while Wayne Chism controlled the paint with 15 rebounds and 2 blocks. Bahrain outscored Kuwait in three of the four quarters, with Ahmed Khalifa and Ahmed Salman chipping in 28 points between them.

Kuwait, who finished the tournament winless, leaned on Abdulrahman Al Shammari’s 28-point outburst and Abdulaaziz Alhamidi’s 18.

Algeria Crowned Unbeaten Champions

Earlier, Algeria capped off their unbeaten run with a 78-70 win over former champions Egypt, who had struggled for consistency throughout the tournament. Sedoud Chakib, again dominant, poured in 25 points and earned Man of the Match honors. Egypt’s Moamen Tareq had 18, but it wasn’t enough to spoil Algeria’s crowning moment.

Egypt’s Ibrahim Hisham praised Bahrain’s hosting, calling the rapid turnaround after Tunisia’s withdrawal “nothing short of remarkable.”

Final Podium Locked

The day began with Tunisia fending off a late surge from Qatar to win 79-72. Oussama Marnaoui, who led with 21 points, said post-game the team “finally clicked” after early struggles—including a Day 1 loss to Algeria. Djan Janik scored 32 for Qatar in a losing effort. With this win, Tunisia finished the championship in 2nd place. The Emiratis did not feature in yesterday’s matches, but they stood in 3rd place on the podium.