Bahrain shift qualifiers’ focus to Lebanon test

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain put in a positive performance in their win against the UAE on Friday in their first game of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, but must now quickly shift their focus towards continental powerhouses Lebanon, whom they play tomorrow night in Beirut.

This was the sentiment shared by the national team’s star guard Maitham Jameel and head coach Ricard Casas following their 70-64 triumph over the Emiratis at home.

It was their first test in Group F of this qualification stage, but now face a tougher challenge against the highly regarded Lebanese. “It was a good game for us [against the UAE],” said Jameel during his post-game Press conference.

“We played as a team and showed good teamwork. “We don’t forget about the UAE; they are first in the GCC and are a good team, so we beat them at home and it was a good result for us. “At the end of the day, whether you win by one point or 10 points, it’s a win.

“Now we have to focus and learn from our mistakes. After three or four days, we have a big game against Lebanon, and we have to focus for this.”

Casas concurred and added he hopes the team continues to grow day by day.

“It was a close game, up and down, with positive moments and difficult moments,” Casas said of their win against the Emiratis.

“At the end, for me, most important was that my team kept a positive mentality, especially in bad moments. “We have to enjoy this victory; now we have to learn and focus for our next game. I am happy with the effort our players had.

“We have one process and learn every day, every game, day by day.” Bahrain are in Group F for the qualifiers, which also includes Syria, whom they only play for the first time in November later this year.

There are 24 participating nationals teams divided into six groups of four nations each for this first stage of qualification.

These squads will vie for just 16 places at the final tournament, with the top two teams of each group booking their tickets to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

The six third-placed teams will play another qualifying tournament for the final four places.