Kuwait seeks strong finish against Bahrain in FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers

Kuwaiti players combine to block a shot.

DUBAI, Aug 30: Kuwait faces Bahrain at 7 p.m. today in the final round of the first window of the FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers at Shabab Al Ahli Club Hall in Dubai. Oman will meet Nepal at 4 p.m. in the other Group B match.

The Blues head into the game on five points from two wins and one loss. Kuwait defeated Oman and Nepal but fell to the UAE, and will now look to finish the first window on a high against Bahrain, who have also recorded two victories and sit on four points.

Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain have already secured their places in the second window of the qualifiers, scheduled for November.

New Kuwait coach Vassilios Bratsiakos is targeting an improved performance against Bahrain, one of the group’s strongest sides. The Blues have benefited from two days of rest, giving the squad additional time to recover ahead of the decisive encounter.

After the win over Nepal in the previous round, Bratsiakos said injuries had ruled out several influential players. The Greek coach is hopeful of having a full-strength squad available today as Kuwait aims to produce a strong performance and secure another positive result.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff