Kuwait qualified for the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2029 pre-qualifiers after concluding the first phase with six points from two victories and two defeats according to final Group A standings released following matches in Dubai. Bahrain finished first with eight points from four wins while the United Arab Emirates placed second on seven points. Oman accumulated five points and Nepal ended with four as the top four teams advanced to the next stage.
Bahrain controlled the September 1 encounter from the second quarter onward after Kuwait held an early lead KUNA reports from the venue. The Bahraini side outscored its opponent in each period to secure the 28-point margin and complete an undefeated first window. Kuwait had entered the contest with five points from prior wins over Oman and Nepal along with a narrow loss to the United Arab Emirates.
New national team coach Vassilios Bratsiakos noted that injuries and absences of key players had affected preparations throughout the window the coach said after the match. The Greek specialist who recently assumed the role had guided the squad to an 88-65 victory over Nepal two days earlier. Bratsiakos had expressed hope for a stronger showing against Bahrain which entered the game on a strong run.
The pre-qualifiers form the initial stage of competition for the 2029 FIBA Asia Cup with this group featuring Bahrain the United Arab Emirates Oman and Nepal alongside Kuwait according to the official tournament structure. Qualification for the second window ensures continued participation in the process that will determine teams for the continental event. Kuwait had already assured its progression before the final match of the phase tournament officials confirmed.
Oman recorded a 76-62 victory over Nepal in the other game played on September 1 which finalized the group standings without altering the qualification outcomes according to the schedule published by organizers. The United Arab Emirates had defeated Kuwait 75-72 in their head-to-head meeting earlier in the window. Bahrain’s wins included an 83-80 decision over the United Arab Emirates and a 105-71 result against Nepal.
The second qualifying window scheduled for November will feature the four advancing sides from this group in further matches that offer a pathway toward the 2029 finals FIBA competition formats indicate. Kuwait will seek to address defensive lapses observed in the Bahrain defeat when the team reconvenes. The national federation has used the Dubai campaign to evaluate squad depth under the new coaching staff.
