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After winning over Ivory Coast, the Lebanese national basketball team continue their winning streak by securing a win over Iran, which allows them to enter the qualifications for the next Olympic Games in 2024 in Paris.
This game proved to be important as Lebanon needed to prevail in order to qualify for the Olympics, in a rather tough group including France. This match, which was held on September 2, was one of the many games of the 2nd phase of the qualifications for the Olympics and ended in a score of 73-81 in favor of Lebanon.
This contest between the two teams saw a solid start from Lebanon, who was leading by 7 points by the end of the first quarter (13-20). In the second quarter, Lebanon struggled defensively against Iran’s Mizraei and especially Haddadi by giving up several offensive rebounds, which did not make the game any easier. However, the main performers were Omari Spellman and Ali Haidar, who were both contributing to Lebanon’s defense and offense.
The first half ended with Lebanon extending its lead to 12 points (35-48) after a great offensive performance. As for the third quarter, Lebanon continued its scoring streak by leading the game (49-62) while keeping a tight lock on defense and not letting the Iranians score for 2 minutes straight. Lebanon kept a good shape but gave some points up to their Iranian counterparts at the end.
The final quarter resembled the third, as Wael Arakji was undoubtedly Lebanon’s top scorer with 21 points. The Lebanese team celebrated after the final buzzer, as they advance to the qualifications for the next Olympics alongside France, who finished first in the same group.
Japan, for their part, secured the direct ticket allocated to the Asian zone after their victory over Cape Verde in Okinawa (80-71).
Australia, the best Oceania country at the World Cup, and France, as host nation, had already qualified for the Games.
Four direct tickets remain to be allocated to the World Cup, for the two highest-ranked countries in the zones of Europe and the Americas.
The remaining four places in Paris will be awarded following the Olympic qualifying tournaments.
Deputy Raji Al-Saad stated on his “X” account, “Congratulations to our champions for their second victory in the basketball World Cup over Iran. We are proud of you and, God willing, we will continue the march to reach the Paris Olympics.”
