Amir Cup: Qatar SC defeat Al Khor to set up quarterfinal clash with Al Arabi
DOHA: Qatar Sports Club secured its place in the quarterfinals of HH Emir Men’s Basketball Cup for the 2025-2026 season after defeating Al Khor 92-72 in the qualifying match held on Wednesday evening.
Qatar started the game strongly, imposing its rhythm early and closing the first quarter with a commanding 33–8 lead, thanks to high offensive efficiency and disciplined defence.
Al Khor responded in the second quarter with a more balanced performance, edging it 19–17 to reduce the gap slightly.
The team continued its improvement in the third quarter, winning 23–22, and also took the fourth quarter 22–20.
However, despite winning three consecutive periods, the large deficit built by Qatar in the opening quarter proved decisive, securing the final result without real threat.
On the individual level, Joshua Nicholas of Qatar stood out as the game’s top scorer with 39 points, delivering one of his best performances of the season. Karim Naga led Al-Khor with 18 points.
With this victory, Qatar completed the lineup for the quarterfinal stage, which begins on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Al-Gharafa Hall.
Al Ahli will face Al-Wakrah at 6:05 p.m., followed by Al-Sadd vs. Al-Shamal at 8:00 p.m.
The competition continues on Sunday, April 19, with Al-Gharafa vs. Al-Rayyan at 6:05 p.m., and Al-Arabi vs. Qatar at 8:00 p.m.—a highlight clash of the round.
The semifinals are scheduled for Monday (May 4, 2026) at Al Gharafa Hall.
The first match (6:00 p.m.) will feature the winner of Al Ahli vs Al Wakrah against the winner of Al Arabi vs. Qatar.
The second match (8:00 p.m.) will pit the winner of Al-Sadd vs. Al-Shamal against the victor of Al-Gharafa vs. Al-Rayyan. Both encounters are expected to deliver high-level basketball.
The tournament concludes on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, with the final at 6:30 p.m., where the two semifinal winners will battle for the championship title of this edition. The competition is anticipated to be fierce, given the close levels among the qualified teams.
It is worth noting that Al-Rayyan won last season’s 2024–2025 edition, defeating Al-Arabi 77–70 in the final held at Al-Gharafa Hall.
