Team Qatar lose to Japan in International Friendly Tournament

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July 29, 2025
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29-July-2025

Team Qatar lose to Japan in International Friendly Tournament

Doha: Qatar’s national basketball team continued its campaign in the 2025 International Friendly Basketball Tournament with a spirited performance against Japan on Wednesday evening at Lusail Multipurpose Arena. Despite a determined effort, Team Qatar fell 103–92 in a fast-paced, high-scoring encounter during the second round of the tournament organized by the Qatar Basketball Federation.

The match opened with Japan taking early control, claiming the first quarter 29–19. Qatar responded with grit in the second quarter, matching Japan point-for-point in a 24–24 draw. The third period once again tipped in Japan’s favor (29–24), but Qatar rallied late in the game to win the final quarter 25–21. However, the comeback fell short as the Japanese maintained their lead to seal the victory.

Qatar’s Alen Hadzibegovic delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 24 points. Japan’s Yudai Nishida was the standout for his side with 21 points. With this result, Qatar moves to three points in the standings, while Japan, making their tournament debut after missing the opening round, secured their first two points.

Qatar had opened the tournament with a hard-fought 82–78 win over Saudi Arabia, while the final round of matches is set for Friday, August 1. Saudi Arabia will face Japan at 5:00 PM, followed by Qatar’s concluding match against Iraq at 7:00 PM.

Under the direction of Turkish head coach Hakan Demir, Team Qatar is utilizing this friendly tournament as a crucial part of their final preparations for the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, taking place from August 5–17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The continental tournament will feature 16 of Asia’s top national teams.

Qatar is drawn in Group A alongside basketball powerhouses Australia, South Korea, and Lebanon. Other groups feature strong competition: Group B includes Guam, Japan, Syria, and Iran; Group C consists of China, Jordan, India, and Saudi Arabia; while Group D brings together Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Iraq, and the Philippines.

The FIBA Asia Cup follows a group-stage format, with group winners advancing directly to the quarterfinals. Teams finishing second and third will battle in knockout playoff rounds to determine the remaining quarterfinalists.

This international tournament has provided Qatar with vital competitive experience and an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies before taking on the continent’s best at the FIBA Asia Cup.