DOHA, Feb 2 (Reuters) – Al Ahli advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025-26 Qatar Basketball League after defeating Al Wakrah 85-73 in a decisive playoff match at Al Gharafa Hall on Sunday.
The win brought the playoff stage to a close and confirmed the final line-up for the semi-finals. Al Ahli edged a tight opening quarter before pulling clear in the third period to seal victory.
The quarter-by-quarter scores were 17-16, 26-22, 22-11 and 23-21 in favour of Al Ahli.
Professional import Nigel Armoni Johnson led Al Ahli’s scoring with 24 points, playing a key role at both ends of the court under pressure. Mohammed Hashim was named Best Qatari Player of the Match.
For Al Wakrah, Bakary Camara topped the scoring with 22 points as his side fought to stay in contention until the closing minutes.
Al Ahli entered the decisive playoff as the league’s third-placed team, having been forced into a second match after losing their opening playoff game 76-60 to fourth-placed Al Sadd. They rebounded to secure progression, while Al Wakrah’s campaign ended after they had reached the tie by beating Al Shamal 86-72.
With the victory, Al Ahli booked a semi-final meeting with league leaders Al Rayyan, with the first game of the best-of-three series scheduled for March 5.
In the other semi-final, Al Sadd will face league runners-up Al Arabi, also beginning on March 5 at Al Gharafa Hall. The semi-finals will be played on March 5, 7 and 9, with the finals set for March 12, 14 and 16.
