MUSCAT: Oman’s under-18 national basketball team were unable to capitalise on a competitive display as they suffered an 80-67 defeat to hosts Qatar at Al Gharafa Sports Hall on Wednesday in the Gulf Qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026.
Oman matched their opponents for most of the encounter and held the advantage at different stages, displaying strong concentration and tactical discipline during the opening three quarters. However, Qatar took control in the final period, capitalising on turnovers and scoring repeatedly from fast breaks to secure a 13-point victory.
Adam al Hinai delivered an impressive all-round performance for Oman, recording 17 points and 13 rebounds. Mishal Qafqaf added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Al Mulham al Obaidani and captain Azzan al Ajmi scored 11 points each. Azd al Bahlani contributed seven points.
Oman made a confident start and edged the opening quarter 19-18. Qatar responded in the second period and entered the half-time break with a narrow 41-39 advantage.
The national side regained the lead during the third quarter and entered the final period ahead 53-50, raising hopes of securing a valuable victory against the hosts.
Qatar, however, increased the intensity in the closing 10 minutes and punished Oman’s mistakes. The hosts won the fourth quarter 30-14 to overturn the deficit and seal the match 80-67.
The statistics reflected the closely contested nature of the encounter before Qatar pulled away late. The lead changed hands 12 times, while the teams were level on six occasions.
Oman’s largest advantage stood at six points, compared with Qatar’s 17-point maximum lead. Oman remained in front for 18 minutes and 13 seconds, while Qatar led for 19 minutes and one second.
The hosts scored 30 points from turnovers and added 27 fast-break points, with those figures proving decisive during the final quarter.
Oman Basketball Association General Secretary Said al Habsi said participation in Gulf competitions formed an important part of the association’s development programme for the national age-group teams.
“This is not our first participation. We have always maintained our presence in Gulf competitions in particular,” Al Habsi said.
“Last year, we participated with the younger age-group teams, while this year the under-18 side is competing. These tournaments provide valuable exposure and allow us to compare our level with the other Gulf national teams.”
Player Azzan al Ajmi expressed disappointment after Oman allowed a closely fought encounter to slip away in the closing period.
“The match was very close, but we lost it in the final quarter,” Al Ajmi said.
“We had hoped to qualify for the FIBA U18 Asia Cup and compete for second place. Our focus now is on winning the next match and securing third place. We will give everything to finish the tournament with a positive result.”
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