Doha – February 1, 2026:
All eyes of Qatari basketball fans will turn to Al Gharafa Hall on Monday, February 2, 2026, as Al Ahli and Al Wakrah face off in a decisive showdown that will determine the last semifinalist in the 2025–2026 Qatar Basketball League. This crucial “play-in” match will decide which team claims the fourth and final place in the competition’s Final Four.

The game tips off at 6:00 p.m. in front of an anticipated enthusiastic crowd, reflecting the importance of the encounter and its technical and psychological dimensions. Both teams enter the contest with different ambitions, yet share one common goal: to keep the dream alive and continue competing for the league title.

Al Ahli approaches the match under significant pressure after failing to capitalize on its third-place finish in the regular season. The team lost to Al Sadd 76–60 in its first play-in game, a tightly contested battle that ultimately saw Al Ahli falter in the decisive moments. The club now views the clash with Al Wakrah as its last chance to correct course and return to winning ways, relying on its experienced players capable of handling high-stakes situations.

On the other hand, Al Wakrah enters the game with high morale, having delivered a strong and convincing performance against Al Shamal, winning 86–72. The victory confirmed Al Wakrah’s readiness to challenge the league’s top contenders and highlighted its consistent form since the conclusion of the preliminary round.

The winner of the Al Ahli–Al Wakrah matchup will advance to face Al Rayyan, the league leader, in the semifinals. The first game of that series is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Meanwhile, Al Sadd has already secured its place in the semifinals and will meet Al Arabi, the league’s runner-up, in a highly anticipated clash at 10:30 p.m. on the same day at Al Gharafa Hall.

The Final Four stage will feature games on March 5, 7, and 9, with the season culminating in the championship series on March 12, 14, and 16, 2026, played under the “best-of-three” format.