Saudi Arabia beach football team hit No. 23 in world rankings

The Saudi beach football national team is now ranked 23rd in the world. (Arriyadiyah)
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Updated 31 August 2023
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Saudi Arabia beach football team hit No. 23 in world rankings

  • The Greens have jumped 91 positions in the last 5 years

Saudi Arabia’s beach football team have jumped 91 spots in five years to reach a world ranking of 23, according to the latest classification issued by the International Beach Soccer Federation this August.

This year, the team progressed from 29 to 25, before hitting the current high of 23 — fifth-best in Asia and fourth among Arab nations — and is the highest spot they have ever reached.

Last year, the Greens joined the top 50 teams in the world, before ending the year at 35.

The Saudi team were ranked at 114 in 2019, before rising to 98 in 2020, then 95 in 2021.

 


‘Serious performance’: Dubai Basketball win 14th straight ABA League game

Updated 10 sec ago
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‘Serious performance’: Dubai Basketball win 14th straight ABA League game

  • A 98-82 win over FMP at Coca-Cola Arena keeps the team at the top of the standings

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball maintained control of their ABA League campaign with a home win over Serbian club FMP, taking the Round 16 game at the Coca-Cola Arena by a score of 98-82.

The result pushed Dubai to 14-0 in the standings and kept them at the top of the table.

Dubai are the only team in the league still unbeaten, at home and away. This is the UAE-based team’s second season in the ABA League after a semi-final finish in their debut season.

Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac said of his team’s performance: “This was a serious performance and a well-deserved win. Defensively, especially in the second half, we showed the level we want to play at, and the team spirit continues to grow. The season is long, we’ve had challenges, but the character of the group is clear — we stay positive, keep building, and focus on every game.”

After being out with an injury for most of the season, one of Dubai Basketball’s biggest signings, Dzanan Musa, returned with a statement performance — the Bosnian shooting guard scored 21 points in just over 21 minutes of play. Aleksa Avramovic contributed in several areas with 13 points, six assists, and three rebounds, while also controlling tempo during key phases of the game.

Frontcourt production was another factor in Dubai’s consistency. Mfiondu Kabengele added 16 points, and Kenan Kamenjas finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Dubai spread scoring responsibility and avoided prolonged scoring droughts throughout the contest.

FMP was led by Filip Barna with 21 points and six rebounds, with additional scoring from Scott, Stefanovic, Stanojevic, and Gasic. Despite balanced individual efforts, the visitors were unable to match Dubai’s efficiency.

Combined with control of key moments in the second and fourth quarters, that efficiency ensured another composed and convincing home win for Dubai Basketball.

The team head to their next game at Belgrade Arena against Red Star for EuroLeague Round 25.