Muharraq seek first win against Shabab Al Ahli in Gulf WASL League

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s Muharraq Club will take on Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE tonight in Dubai, as both sides look to record their first win in the Gulf region of the 2025–26 FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL).

The game will tip off at 6PM at the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall, where each team will attempt to recover from opening-round losses. The early stages of Group B have already produced tight competition, and both clubs understand the importance of a win to stay within reach of the qualification zone.

Muharraq began their campaign with a 95–81 defeat to Kazma SC of Kuwait, a result that exposed defensive lapses and cold shooting stretches. Since then, head coach Peter Schomers has emphasized adjustments on both ends of the floor, with a focus on defensive structure and offensive efficiency. The German tactician believes these improvements will be key to securing a result away from home.

Opponents Shabab Al Ahli, the reigning UAE League champions, are in a similar position after losing 94–88 to Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia, last season’s sub-zone finalists. Both teams now share one point in the standings, while Al Ittihad lead Group B with four points from two victories, followed by Kazma with three points.

For Muharraq, tonight ’s matchup is as much about recovery as it is about momentum. The team will rely on a blend of Bahraini experience and foreign talent, with Ali Hussain, Bader Abdulla, Mohammed Nasser, and Mohammed Amir forming the local core. They will be supported by imports Nickolas, Kerwin, and Hamilton, whose physical presence and scoring ability are expected to drive the team’s performance.

A strong showing in Dubai could set the tone for Muharraq’s next fixtures, all of which carry growing importance in a short group stage. Following tonight’s encounter, the team will return home to face Al Ittihad on November 10 at the BBA Arena in Manama. They are then scheduled to host Kazma on December 16, before meeting Shabab Al Ahli again on January 12, and concluding the round with an away game against Al Ittihad in Jeddah on January 19.