Al Ittihad win Damascus tournament ahead of African qualifiers
Al Ittihad beat Union of Alexandria 88–85 in the final of the Damascus international friendly tournament on 16 October. The Libyan club now turn their attention to the African qualifiers in Tripoli, starting on 21 October.
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Three points separated the two teams at the end of the final. On Friday 16 October, at the Al Fayhaa hall in Damascus, Al Ittihad won the international friendly tournament against Union of Alexandria, 88–85. The Libyan club thus end their trip to Syria with a title, a few days before returning to competition where, this time, a place at continental level will be at stake.
A final that stayed open until the last quarter
Al Ittihad had edged ahead in the first half: 19–18 after ten minutes, then 45–42 at the break. The gap grew to eight points by the end of the third quarter, which finished 67–59.
Union of Alexandria nevertheless fought back. The Egyptians cut their deficit to one point, 80–79, with two minutes left, before levelling at 81–81. The Libyans ultimately held on to a three-point lead at the final whistle.
Both finalists had come through the semi-finals with more comfortable wins: Al Ittihad had beaten Lebanon's Antranik 112–99, while Union of Alexandria had seen off Sharjah 86–72.
In Tripoli, a qualification place to be earned
This trophy rewards Al Ittihad's participation in a friendly tournament. It does not bring a place in the Basketball Africa League, the continental club league. To keep pushing towards that competition, the club must come through the qualifiers known as "Road to BAL".
The next stage begins on 21 October at the main hall in Tripoli. Al Ittihad will face, among others, Stade Malien, Algeria's Staouéli and Kriol Star of Cape Verde. The top two in each group will advance to the Elite 16, an additional qualifying round. The match against Kriol Star is scheduled for Thursday 22 October at 18:30 in Tripoli, which is 17:30 in Brazzaville. The title won in Damascus therefore comes ahead of a qualifying stage: Al Ittihad must still earn their place in the next round.