Mohamed Kowaid Sparks Riffa’s OT Win

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s Riffa delivered one of the most memorable moments of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 pool stage yesterday, securing a dramatic overtime victory against Austria’s Vienna at the Bahrain Financial Harbour. Hosting the season-ending Manama Final for the first time, Bahrain welcomed the world’s top 3x3 teams, and the home crowd ensured every play felt monumental.

Riffa began with a hardfought match against Serbia’s top-ranked Ub, losing 19-15 despite strong efforts from Dennis Donkor, Jonas Foerts, and Caspar Augustijnen. In their second match against Vienna, every possession counted, and Mohamed Kowaid became the hero with a buzzer-beater, sealing a 22-21 overtime victory. Defensive intensity and energy kept the crowd engaged throughout the game, with chants of “Defense! Defense!” reverberating across the arena, sending it into pure euphoria.

Bahrain’s other team, Seef, faced Germany’s Skyliners and Switzerland’s Lugano HANDONG, losing 21-11 and 21-9, respectively, but earned applause for their performances.

Elsewhere, Pool A saw Serbia’s Ub defeat Austria’s Vienna 21-14; Pool B had China’s Hangzhou edge the United States’ Miami 17-14, Miami beat China’s Chongming 21-15, and Hangzhou closed with 22-19 over Chongming. Pool C featured Amsterdam Rabobank (Netherlands) over Partizan (Serbia) 21-15, Lithuania’s Raudondvaris Hoptrans 21-20 over Amsterdam, and Raudondvaris 23-21 overtime over Partizan. Pool D had France’s Toulouse beat Serbia’s Liman 17-13, Liman edge Germany’s Skyliners 19-18, and Skyliners close 21-16 over Toulouse.

Amid the excitement of the day’s competition, the action paused for the ceremonial opening—a moment to celebrate the tournament, the players, and the host nation. The opening ceremony, under the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was attended by HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar, and Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Children’s performances gave the arena a warm, family-friendly vibe, while both Bahraini teams sparked the loudest cheers as teams were introduced to the crowd. The ceremony also recognized Serbia’s Strahinja Stojacic, named MVP of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 regular season, adding extra prestige to the Manama Final.

With Mohamed Kowaid’s heroics still fresh, Bahrain’s teams now turn their focus to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals ahead today, aiming to continue the Kingdom’s strong showing at the Manama Mohamed Kowaid salutes the home crowd after a flawless performance Final.