Kuwait reaches second Asian Cup qualifying window despite Bahrain defeat

Kuwait secured a place in the second window of Asian Cup qualifying despite ending its campaign with a heavy 95-67 loss to Bahrain at Shabab Al Ahli Club Hall in Dubai.

The November window will place Kuwait in Group E alongside Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka. The top four teams will advance to the third qualifying window.

Bahrain finished first in the standings with eight points from four wins, followed by the UAE on seven. Kuwait collected six points. Oman and Nepal ended with five and four points respectively after Oman won their meeting 76-62.

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I congratulate my players for what they delivered today and for the hard work they put in throughout the competition.

Bahrain and Kuwait stayed close early in the game, but Bahrain took control from the second quarter. The victory gave Bahrain its fourth consecutive win in the campaign.

Kuwait coach Vassilios Bratsiakos said he was proud of the team’s performance despite its difficulties. “I congratulate my players for what they delivered today and for the hard work they put in throughout the competition,” he said.

“We dealt with injuries and the absence of key players, but despite those difficulties, we produced strong performances and managed to qualify for the next window of the qualifiers,” Bratsiakos added.

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We dealt with injuries and the absence of key players, but despite those difficulties, we produced strong performances and managed to qualify for the next window of the qualifiers.