Bahrain crowned Arab U16 Basketball champions

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain won the ABC Arab U16 Championship title last night with a comfortable 81-63 win over Algeria at Cairo International Stadium, powered by Hussien Fouad’s 24 points. The Red Tide edged a cagey opening frame 14-12, before breaking the contest open with a blistering 26-12 second quarter that gave them breathing space heading into halftime.

Momentum Shifts

Algeria, spurred by Abdelkarim Yahiaoui and Mika Ernst, tried to claw their way back after the interval. But Bahrain turned up the intensity once again, outscoring their opponents 25-17 in the third quarter to build a convincing lead. The Algerians finally won the last frame 22- 16, but by then the damage was done and Bahrain had already imposed their rhythm.

Stars Deliver

The night belonged to Hussien Fouad, whose shot-making carried Bahrain through tense stretches, while Somoto Patrick’s 18 points and colossal 21 rebounds anchored the paint at both ends. Mohamed Ghloum chipped in with 13 points and six assists, and Aly Hussien orchestrated with precision, finishing with a game-high eight assists. Yahiaoui’s 18 points and nine boards gave Algeria hope, but it was never enough to bridge the gap.

Roads to the Final

Bahrain completed a flawless campaign, sweeping aside Qatar, Algeria, Kuwait, Tunisia, and hosts Egypt before defeating Algeria once again when it mattered most. Algeria had looked equally sharp on their path, beating Kuwait, Qatar, Tunisia, and Egypt, yet they could not solve Bahrain’s defense in two attempts in Cairo — and crucially, not in the title game.

Crowning Moment

The final buzzer sparked celebrations as Bahrain lifted their first Arab U16 Championship crown. Already crowned winners of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup GBA Qualifiers last month, Bahrain stamped their dominance across two competitions, while Algeria’s wait for a maiden youth Arab title continues.