A Kuwaiti player controls the ball during the opening match between Kuwait and the UAE.

MANAMA, July 26: The Kuwait national basketball team is set to face Egypt today at 4:00 pm in the third round of the 26th Arab Basketball Championship, currently taking place in Bahrain until August 2. Later fixtures include Algeria vs. UAE at 6:00 pm and hosts Bahrain taking on Tunisia at 8:00 pm.

Kuwait began its campaign with a hard-fought 79-87 loss to the UAE. In other opening round results, Algeria defeated Tunisia 88-81, while Bahrain overcame Qatar 72-61.

In the match against the UAE, Kuwait was missing several key players, allowing younger talents to step up. Among the standout performers were Ahmed Al-Foudari and Adel Al-Saeed, who impressed with their energy and skill.

The game started evenly, with the UAE narrowly edging the first quarter 23-21. Kuwait rallied in the second quarter, led by strong efforts from Ahmed Al-Balushi and Mohammed Adnan, briefly taking the lead. However, the UAE regained control before halftime, leading 46-41. It extended its advantage in the third quarter to 68-60 and maintained its momentum to seal an 87-79 victory.

By Hasan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff