RIYADH (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) - The road through the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers only gets tougher from here for Saudi Arabia. The upcoming window will see them go up against historically strong squads in Iran and Qatar and Saudi Arabia must aim to come out undefeated in order to improve their hopes of directly qualifying for Asia Cup 2021.

Saudi Arabia succeeded in winning the opening game of their Qualifiers campaign over Qatar, 68-57. However, they were unable to double-down on a two-game home stretch and lost to Syria in overtime, 75-70, in the next game. This leaves them behind at third place in Group E behind Syria, who currently holds the head-to-head tiebreaker, and undefeated Iran.

For the upcoming window of the Qualifiers, the national team has been deep in preparations. Coach Ali Al-Sanhani has already summoned a 16-player training camp squad with notable names in Khalid Abdel Gabar, Mohammed Alsuwailem, Ayoub Alhawsawi, Marzouq Almuwallad, and Mathna Almarwani.

“Our goal is to make it to the Finals to represent our nation's interest in the game of basketball and the talents in our country.”

Coach Al-Sanhani highlighted the team's impressive development and potential to compete with their two upcoming opponents who have a long history of succeeding in the Asian basketball circles.

"Out team includes players that stand out and are working continuously to improve their level from each and every game," he said.

"Our goal is to make it to the Finals to represent our nation's interest in the game of basketball and the talents in our country."

Saudi Arabia will first face Iran on November 28, before the game against Qatar on November 30 in this upcoming window.

"We must focus and fight hard. We have the elements needed to be able to rise to the challenges in this situation," Al-Sanhani expressed his thoughts on the upcoming games. "We still have a lot to offer and I promise everyone will display their efforts worthy of our recent developments."

Saudi Arabia's star, Khalid Abdel Gabar, also chimed in and expressed his confidence in his fellow comrades.

"We have worked hard during the past two years and now we're reaping the fruits of success. I'm sure that we'll still have a lot to offer for our fans."

"Facing teams with a long line of history playing in Asia will help us develop our level in the upcoming matches and competitions."

It is noteworthy that the capital of Qatar, Doha, will serve as the host for Window 2 games in Groups B and E. Group B includes China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, and Malaysia. Group E includes Iran, Qatar, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the capital of Bahrain, Manama, will be hosting the Window 2 games in Groups A and D. Group A consists of Indonesia, the Philippines, Korea, and Thailand. Group D includes Bahrain, India, Iraq, and Lebanon.

The capital of Jordan, Amman, will host Window 2 games in Group F, in which the competing teams are Jordan, Kazakhstan, Palestine, and Sri Lanka.

There are 24 teams competing in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers. Once the three windows of the Qualifiers conclude, the top two teams in each group will qualify directly to Asia Cup 2021. The six last-placed teams in each group are eliminated.

Meanwhile, the six third-placed teams in each group will then play in a separate qualifying tournament. Teams will be placed into two different groups of three teams. The top two teams of those respective groups will then lock in their spots at Asia Cup 2021, completing the 16-team roster who will also compete in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

FIBA