Al Sadd to Face Al Arabi… Al Rayyan Advances to Qatar Cup Semi-Finals

Al Sadd and Al Rayyan launched their campaigns in the 2025–2026 Qatar Basketball Cup with strong performances, securing important victories in the quarterfinals held on Wednesday, April 8, at Al Rayyan Club Hall. The knockout-format tournament features intense competition among the country’s top clubs.

In the first game, Al Sadd showcased its readiness to contend for the title, defeating Al Ahli 78–67 in a match where “The Boss” imposed its style from the outset. Al Sadd dominated the opening quarter (23–9) with aggressive defense and swift transitions, gaining an early advantage that disrupted Al Ahli’s rhythm.
Al Ahli improved in the second quarter, winning it 25–20 thanks to accurate three-point shooting and capitalizing on defensive lapses, narrowing the gap and reigniting the contest.
The third quarter was balanced and exciting, but Al Sadd edged it 17–12 through experience in game management and rebounding control, maintaining its lead heading into the final period.
Although Al Ahli fought back in the fourth quarter, winning 21–18 with solid offense, it could not close the margin sufficiently, leaving Al Sadd victorious overall.

Mustafa Fouda, Al Sadd’s captain, stood out as the undisputed best player, scoring 18 points and excelling in both scoring and playmaking. He received the “Best Qatari Player of the Match” award, presented by Musafir Trading & Transport, worth $100. Meanwhile, Mohamed Hashem Zidan was Al Ahli’s top performer with 15 points.
With this win, Al Sadd advances to a high-profile clash against defending champions Al Arabi on April 11, 2026, at Al Gharafa Hall, in a decisive quarterfinal showdown.

In the second game, Al Rayyan continued its strong momentum, defeating Al Khor 70–47 with organized play and clear dominance.
Al Rayyan started forcefully, taking the first quarter 23–6 through tight defense and effective fast breaks. Al Khor responded in the second quarter, edging it 14–12 with improved offensive organization, keeping hopes alive.
However, Al Rayyan regained control in the third quarter (21–16) with varied offensive solutions and rebounding superiority, then sealed the fourth quarter 14–11 to secure its semifinal berth.

Abdullah Yassin Moussa of Al Rayyan was the game’s top scorer with 15 points, earning the “Best Qatari Player of the Match” award from Musafir Trading & Transport ($100). Al Khor’s Djibiero Demba Diom also impressed with 15 points, sharing top-scoring honors.

Quarterfinal action continues Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Al Gharafa Hall: Al Wakrah faces Qatar Club at 6:00 PM, followed by Al Gharafa vs. Al Shamal at 8:00 PM. Both matches promise balanced competition and ambition to progress.
The semifinals will be held on April 13, 2026: the winner of Al Wakrah vs. Qatar Club meets the winner of Al Gharafa vs. Al Shamal, while Al Rayyan faces the winner of Al Arabi vs. Al Sadd. Both games will be played at Al Gharafa Hall.
The final is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Al Gharafa Hall, where the champion of the 13th edition of the Qatar Basketball Cup will be crowned. Historically, Al Gharafa and Al Arabi lead the competition with four titles each, while Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, and Al Sadd have each won once.