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21:33 GMT
Kuwait vs Bahrain at the Gulf Cooperation Council U-18s basketball championship
MANAMA, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- Kuwait lost 95-51 to Bahrain at the Gulf Cooperation Council U-18s basketball championship on Monday playing their first game since an international competitive ban was lifted last year.
Kuwait Basketball Association deputy president Khalil Taher rued his side's chances, blaming the close to three-year halt for "directly affecting" their performance in the Bahrain-held tournament's opening fixture.
Despite the result, Taher said his team played well, praising the home side, on the other hand, as a "tough, organised side with excellent capabilities."
He expressed confidence in the young side's ability to overcome the hurdle and go on to give their all against the remaining teams.
In the corresponding fixtures, Saudi Arabia beat Qatar, 70-60, with Oman edging the United Arab Emirates to a 62-56 victory.
The first and second-placed teams will earn automatic qualification to the 2020 FIBA U-18 Asian Championship. (end)
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