Oman U18 fall to Bahrain, turn focus to Qatar clash

 
 
MUSCAT: Oman’s under-18 national basketball team will look to return to winning ways when they face hosts Qatar in a key Gulf qualifier for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 at Al Gharafa Sports Hall in Doha on Wednesday at 8 pm.
Oman enter the match with three points from one victory and one defeat, while Qatar have collected four points after winning their opening two games. The hosts will approach the encounter with confidence following their victory over Kuwait, while Oman will seek a strong response after suffering a 94-49 defeat to Bahrain in the second round.
The national side had entered the Bahrain match aiming to build on their dramatic 62-59 opening win against Kuwait. However, Bahrain took control from the opening minutes, capitalising on Oman’s turnovers, defensive positioning and lack of concentration.
Bahrain established a 22-12 lead at the end of the first quarter before increasing the pressure in the second. Oman struggled to convert opportunities close to the basket and conceded further points through misplaced passes, allowing Bahrain to take the period 30-10 and lead 52-22 at half-time.
The pattern continued after the break as Bahrain maintained their offensive rhythm and punished a series of individual errors. They won the third quarter 25-9, taking a commanding advantage into the closing period.
Oman produced an improved display in the fourth quarter, showing better defensive organisation and greater attacking efficiency. They edged the final period 18-17, but the deficit accumulated over the previous three quarters proved too large to overcome.
Head coach Mohammed al Owaisi attributed the defeat to a loss of concentration and the high number of errors committed throughout the game.
“We did not produce the performance we had hoped for and neither the result nor the display reflects the players’ true capabilities,” he said.
“We lost possession too often and committed several individual errors, which gave Bahrain repeated scoring opportunities and allowed them to control the pace of the game. Matches at this level require complete mental focus throughout the 40 minutes, and we were unable to maintain that.”
Al Owaisi said the team must quickly put the Bahrain result behind them and concentrate on the challenge posed by Qatar.
“We understand the importance of the next match. Qatar are a strong side, playing on their home court and in front of their supporters, but this is a new challenge for us,” he said.
“We have worked during the short period between the two matches to address the mistakes, restore the players’ technical and mental readiness and prepare them to compete with greater discipline. We will enter the game with determination to deliver a performance worthy of Omani basketball and achieve a positive result.”
The Qatar encounter will be crucial to Oman’s hopes of improving their position in the standings and remaining in contention for qualification.