Doha: The 14th round of the Second Division of the General Basketball League for the 2025-2026 sports season is set to begin this Monday, featuring a key matchup between Al Gharafa and Al Ahli at Al Gharafa Hall. This game marks the start of an important phase in the league as teams vie for positioning in the standings.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Gharafa comes into the match in seventh place with 17 points, having secured 4 wins against 9 losses. Meanwhile, Al Ahli is eager to maintain its strong performance this season, currently holding fourth place with 21 points, only one point shy of Al Sadd in third place with 22 points. This matchup is pivotal for Al Ahli as they aim to solidify their spot among the top-four teams.
The 14th round will continue on January 14, with Qatar Club facing Al Sadd and Al Khor competing against Al Wakrah at Al Rayyan Hall. The round will conclude on January 15 with a contest between Al Shamal and Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Hall. Reigning champions Al Arabi Club will have a rest during this round.
As the round begins, the league standings show Al Rayyan leading with 25 points, followed by Al Arabi in second with 24 points. Al Sadd sits in third with 22 points, while Al Ahli is in fourth with 21 points. Al Wakrah holds fifth place with 19 points, Al Shamal is in sixth with 18 points, Al Gharafa in seventh with 17 points, Qatar in eighth with 15 points, and Al Khor in ninth place with 13 points.
The season introduces a new competitive format in the playoff stages, featuring a "Play-In" phase for teams finishing between third and sixth place. This format intensifies the competition and adds excitement to the season's conclusion. On January 31, the third-placed team will meet the fourth-placed team, with the winner advancing directly to the semi-finals to face the second-placed team. The fifth-placed team will take on the sixth-placed team, with the loser being eliminated. The winner will play the loser of the third-vs-fourth match in a decisive play-in game on February 2 to determine the second semi-finalist.
The semi-finals and finals will be contested in a best-of-three series format, culminating in the crowning of the 2025-2026 basketball league champion, amid expectations of fierce competition for the title.