Qatar Face China in Key FIBA U18 Asia Cup Clash

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August 15, 2026
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15-August-2026

Qatar Face China in Key FIBA U18 Asia Cup Clash

Ahmedabad : Qatar’s U18 national basketball team will face China on Sunday in their second Group C match at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad, India, as they look to bounce back from their opening defeat and strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Qatar began their campaign with a 94–69 defeat to Iran, while China made a strong start with a 103–55 victory over Sri Lanka.

Despite trailing Iran during the first half, Qatar responded with an improved performance after the break and won the third quarter 26–21, providing the coaching staff with positives to build on ahead of the China encounter.

Abdullah Yassin Mousa led Qatar with 26 points and five rebounds against Iran, while Mohamed Saeed Badri recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Tamim Abouissa added 12 points.

The national team, led by Algerian head coach Mounir Bengala and assistant coach Hashem Zaidan, will be aiming for greater consistency against a strong Chinese side, with defensive organization, ball security and offensive efficiency expected to be key factors.

China and Iran currently lead Group C after winning their opening matches, while Qatar and Sri Lanka will be seeking their first victories. Qatar will conclude their group-stage campaign against Sri Lanka on August 18.

The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups. Group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the teams finishing second and third will contest playoff matches for the remaining places in the last eight.

Qatar’s squad comprises Abdullah Yassin, Tamim Ashraf Abouissa, Ziad Al Bitar, Moaz Omar Mousa, Azzam Mohamed Yaken, Ziad Tamer Al Johari, Mohamed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Mousa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader, and Shahi Mohamed.

The delegation is headed by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams.

Qatar secured their place at the continental championship after finishing runners-up in the Gulf U18 qualifiers in Doha, earning a third consecutive appearance at the Asian finals.

The FIBA U18 Asia Cup also serves as a pathway to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2027 in the Czech Republic, with the four semifinalists qualifying for the global championship.