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The two Lebanese giants are aiming for a spot in the Final 8 of the FIBA WASL 2025, with qualification for the prestigious BCL Asia in sight.
Lebanese basketball is once again on the rise. As the Final 8 of the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) 2025 enters its decisive stage this weekend, the two heavyweights of the local scene, Riyadi and La Sagesse, are getting ready for high-stakes semifinals on the court of the Nouhad Naufal Stadium in Zouk Mikaël.
The Yellows Want to Do It Again
On Saturday at 5:45 PM, Ahmad Farran’s Yellows will face an old rival: Shabab Al Ahli. A match charged with emotion, since the two teams already clashed in the final of the first edition of the BCL Asia in 2024. That night, Riyadi dominated in Dubai, inflicting a crushing 122-96 defeat on the Emiratis on their home court. Needless to say, Shabab Al Ahli hasn’t forgotten.
This time, the rematch will take place on hostile ground in Zouk, in front of Riyadi’s loyal fans. And Riyadi hasn’t lost its edge: undefeated in the group stage, riding an eight-game winning streak in the WASL, Farran’s men come into this clash full of confidence. Even without their star Wael Arakji in the last game, they managed to dominate Ittihad and top Group A.
“We know this team; they’re out for revenge, but so are we. We have a mission. We want to write the club’s history,” says Riyadi’s point guard Ali Mansour.
On the other side, Shabab Al Ahli had to fight hard to reach the final four, beating Tabiat 93-87 on Thursday night. The Emiratis, second in Group B, have nothing to lose—but Riyadi seems to have all the aces.
La Sagesse Plays Its Card
The other semifinal will pit La Sagesse against Tabiat, 2024 Iranian champions and leaders of their group despite a loss to Shabab. This will be the third clash of the season between Ilias Zouros’ Greens and the Iranians, who lead 2-0 in head-to-head matchups… but both games were tight: 88-87 in the first leg, 75-73 in the second.
“Third round, third chance,” says a staff member, confident in the team’s rise after their convincing win against Astana. Zach Lofton and his teammates are hoping to turn things around at just the right time, as they look to erase the painful memory of the 2024 final lost in overtime against Riyadi (100-90).
Beyond rivalries and national pride, these semifinals will also determine the two clubs that will represent WASL at the upcoming BCL Asia, scheduled for June alongside the champions of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. A continental showcase to which both Riyadi and La Sagesse dream of returning.
Lebanon believes. Two clubs, two experienced coaches, two visions—but one single goal: bringing Lebanese basketball back to the top of Asia.
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