- 10:10
Six out of six, perfect run! Lebanon wrapped up the qualifiers for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 with another hard-fought victory against the United Arab Emirates (91-88). Even when weakened, the Cedars proved that they were the bosses.
Lebanon concluded its Asian recital in the best possible way! On Monday night, in a heated Nohad Nawfal arena, in front of nearly 4,000 spectators, the Cedars fought hard to tame the United Arab Emirates (91-88) and finish these qualifiers with an immaculate record: 6 wins in 6 games. Among the distinguished guests present, Akram Halabi, President of the Lebanese Federation, marked the event with his presence.
If some expected a mere formality, the Emiratis proved they were not here as tourists. But even diminished, deprived of several key players like Ali Haidar, Ali Mansour and Karim Zeinoun, and with limited rotations, the Cedars lived up to their status as bosses, relying on a blazing Wael Arakji (29 points) to make the difference in a suffocating money time.
A Tighter Battle than Expected
Far from being intimidated by the stakes, the Emiratis (104th in the world) went all in from the start. Overexcited and free of pressure, they unsettled a Lebanese team lacking its usual bearings, exploiting the absence of key Lebanese players to take the lead (21-18) at the end of the first quarter.
Caught cold, Miodrag Perisic’s men then kicked into gear. Ater Majok locked down the paint, Amir Saoud hit from deep and the unstoppable Wael Arakji orchestrated the play with mastery. The result: a one-sided second quarter, a euphoric crowd and the Cedars heading into the locker room with a reassuring lead (43-37).
A Tense Second Half
However, the Emiratis had no intention of slowing down. At the restart, they raised their level and closed the gap, even taking the lead (54-50, then 68-67 at the end of the third quarter). Lebanon wobbled but did not fall.
Perisic’s timeouts and adjustments in rotations allowed the Cedars to regain control, and that’s when Arakji decided to step on the gas. In a highly intense final quarter, Lebanon’s point guard took the reins, tormenting the opposing defense with his drives and vision. Gerard Hadidian (18 points) and Amir Saoud (20 points) provided support, while Majok (12 points) made his presence felt on both ends of the floor.
With 30 seconds left on the clock, Lebanon held a narrow lead (88-85). The Emiratis threw everything they had into the final moments, but the Cedars managed the end of the game perfectly to secure the win (91-88).
An Imperial Run, a Clear Message
With this sixth victory in six games, Lebanon finished as the sole leader of Group F, with a perfect 12/12. More than just a qualification for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, this flawless run is a warning to the rest of the continent: the Cedars are here, and they do not intend to be mere participants.
Currently ranked 29th in the world and 5th in Asia, Lebanon continues its rise and now eyes a spot among the continent’s top four. The goal? A better draw for the final phase and a stepping stone towards the 2027 World Cup.
The Emirates, a Rival Always Defeated
With this new success, Lebanon confirms its undisputed supremacy over the Emirates. In six official encounters since 1999, the script has always been the same: Lebanese victory.
An Insatiable Hunger
With a talented generation, a well-established playing identity and a crowd always ready to roar, Lebanon moves forward with ambition and determination.
One thing is certain: the Lebanese are always hungry for victories!
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