Press Release:

Al Arabi and Al Sadd Reach Amir Cup Final After Defeating Al Ahli and Al Rayyan

Doha – May 4, 2026:
Al Arabi and Al Sadd secured their places in the final of the HH the Amir Basketball Cup for the 2025–2026 season after overcoming Al Ahli and Al Rayyan respectively in the semi-final clashes held on Monday evening, May 4, 2026, at Al Gharafa Hall.

Al Arabi advanced with a convincing 89–70 victory over Al Ahli, showcasing superior tactical execution. The first quarter ended 24–18 in Arabi’s favor, before they raised the tempo in the second quarter, tightening their defense to limit Al Ahli’s offensive options and extending the lead 28–17. Despite a slight improvement from Al Ahli in the third quarter (18–16), Arabi maintained composure and closed the game with a balanced fourth quarter that ended 19–19.
Individually, Taylor James was the standout for Al Ahli with 18 points, making him the game’s top scorer, while Elmedin Kikanović led Arabi’s offense with 17 points, emerging as his team’s best scorer.
Arabi had reached the semi-finals after defeating Qatar Club 104–73, while Al Ahli booked their spot by overcoming Al Wakrah 85–72.

In the second semi-final, Al Sadd clinched their ticket to the final with a hard-fought 87–72 win over Al Rayyan in a highly competitive encounter. The teams exchanged control across quarters, but Al Sadd’s experience proved decisive in the closing minutes. Sadd took the first quarter 23–21, before Rayyan responded in the second 17–11. Sadd then surged ahead in the third quarter 27–21 and sealed the game with a dominant 26–13 fourth quarter.
Rayyan’s Riyon Cortez Brown was the game’s top scorer with 23 points, while Mustafa Fouda led Al Sadd with 21 points.
Al Sadd had reached the semi-finals after defeating Al Shamal 107–96, while Al Rayyan advanced by beating Al Gharafa 104–82.

The final between Al Arabi and Al Sadd is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Al Gharafa Hall.
The Qatar Basketball Federation will hold a special press conference for the final on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 12 noon at the Federation headquarters. The event will be attended by Mr. Saadoun Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Football Association, Mr. Mishal Al Maliki, Board Member and Head of the Media and Marketing Committees, along with team managers, coaches, captains, and the unveiling of the tournament’s official sponsors.