Bahrain Silence Host Crowd to Seal Perfect Prelims

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

At the Cairo International Stadium, Egypt’s home crowd roared, but Bahrain were unshaken. After trailing 20–18 in the first quarter, they surged 23–16 in the second and led 61– 45 after three quarters, closing 80–72. This is their fifth win in the 22nd U16 Arab Basketball Championship for Youth, following convincing wins over Qatar (90–50), Algeria (80–54), Kuwait (81–57), and Tunisia (93–70).

Patrick Still the Pillar

Somoto Patrick led with 19 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks, asserting himself inside yet again in the tournament. Hassan Showefi added 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Aly Hussien contributed 16 points and six assists. Youssef Mashaai scored 13, and Hassan Fouad’s timely five points helped seal the win.

Egypt’s Resistance Fades

Egypt started strong, with Mohamed Hassan (15), Karim Hendi (13), and Omar Mostaf (13), but they were outworked on the boards. A nine-point third quarter for the hosts effectively decided the contest, and while they rallied late with 27 in the fourth, Bahrain’s composure under pressure saw them home.

Final Beckons Against Familiar Foe

The win keeps Bahrain unbeaten (5–0) heading into tomorrow’s gold medal game after today’s rest day. Their opponents, Algeria, arrive with a near-perfect record, having beaten Kuwait 76–42 yesterday but already tasting defeat (80-54) against Bahrain earlier in their campaign. With six nations competing, Bahrain’s form has set them apart. Already qualified for next year’s FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Mongolia, they now chase regional gold.