Kuwaiti goes for a basket.

MANAMA, July 29:  Kuwait is determined to improve its performance and erase the setbacks from the first three rounds of the 26th Arab Basketball Championship currently underway in Bahrain. The team will face Algeria today at 6:00 pm in the fifth round of the competition, which concludes in Manama on August 2. Earlier matches today feature Qatar vs. UAE at 4:00 pm and Tunisia vs. Egypt at 8:00 pm.

Kuwait has been eliminated from contention for the top three spots after suffering defeats against the UAE (79-87), Tunisia (61-86), and Egypt (65-96) in the opening rounds.

Under the leadership of Serbian coach Oliver Kostic and assistant Khaled Al-Qallaf, Kuwait’s squad largely comprises young players competing in such tournaments for the first time, providing them valuable experience on the international stage.

The team will be without promising young player Hussein Ashkanani in today’s match, as he recovers from a serious shoulder dislocation sustained in the recent game against Egypt. Ashkanani underwent successful surgery and is currently hospitalized.

The current standings see Tunisia and the UAE leading with 5 points each, followed by Egypt and Algeria with 4 points each. Bahrain also has 4 points but from fewer wins. Kuwait holds 3 points from three losses, while Qatar sits last with 2 points.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff