Khalifa Bin Salman Cup Quarterfinals Get Underway

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

The quarterfinals get underway tonight at the Bahrain Basketball Association Arena in Um Al Hassam, with all matches played behind closed doors due to ongoing regional difficulties. The opening clash features holders Al Muharraq Club against Second Division side Sitra Club, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 PM.

Muharraq enter the competition seeking a response after their exit from the FIBA West Asia Super League last month, while currently sitting atop the Zain Bahrain Basketball League. Assistant coach Jassim Mohammed described Sitra, who are second in League B, as “a talented side with promising young players” and stressed that Muharraq would approach the match “with full respect and focus.” German head coach Peter Schomers will lead the reigning champions, while Sitra are guided by Ali Kawaid.

The Red Wolves will rely on firepower and leadership, with Mohammed Ameer Hamooda spearheading the attack, supported by Kris Clyburn and Nicholas West, while Bader Abdulla Malabes directs play alongside Mahmood Abbas and Mohammed Nasser. Muharraq’s assistant coach also noted that, even with the stands empty, the continued support of their fanbase remains a powerful source of motivation for the team.

Tonight’s second quarterfinal at 10:30 PM pits fourth-placed Al Ahli against fifth-placed Al Hala. Al Hala assistant coach Hussain Al Durazi confirmed the squad will be at full strength, including Ahmed Bindayneh and Abdulqader Salah, alongside professional recruits Shaheed and Treadwell. “Cup matches demand concentration and minimal errors,” he said. Al Ahli, meanwhile, will rely on Hisham Sarhan, Maytham Jameel, and Mohammed Qurban, with Kadji and Anthony Fairley expected to make decisive contributions.

Saturday’s quarterfinals continue at the same venue: second-placed Manama faces League B leaders Al Ittihad at 8:30 PM, followed by third-placed Al Najma against sixth-placed Al Nuwaidrat at 10:30 PM. All quarterfinals are single-elimination, with semi-finals set as a best-of-three series at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.

Muharraq have lifted the Cup twice, while Al Ahli and Al Manama have claimed it three times each, and Riffa once. With several teams chasing history, the knockout rounds are now underway, giving each side a chance to make their mark in this season’s Khalifa bin Salman Cup.