THE stage at the Solaiman Al Darat Arena in Benghazi is set to host Basketball’s Al Fateh Cup Final on Monday July 21 between Al-Shabab and Al-Ahli Benghazi after the former qualified for their third final in successive years by beating champions Al-Ittihad in the final Group 1 match. Thus also denying Al-Ittihad the chance to win the League and Cup double.

It was the third time in successive years that Al-Shabab and Al-Ittihad have met in this stage of the competition, with Al-Shabab once again emerging winners.

On their part Al-Ittihad qualified to the clash with Al-Shabab after defeating rivals Al-Ahli of Tripoli 65-64.

The first two sessions on the final Group 1 game were very close with Al Shabab managing to end them both with a three-point advantage - 19-16 and 35-32.

Al Ittihad took a 5-point lead, 47-42 in the 6th minute of the third session, only to fall short to an amazing 16-0 comeback run for Al Shabab thanks to three successive three-pointes from Mohammed Issa and another seven points from Eslam El Karbal to finish the third quarter 58-47 ahead.

Al Shabab dominated the fourth quarter and finished the game 81-66 to qualify to the cup final for the third year.
Al Shabab will try to win the title for the third year and tie Al Madina’s record when they won the cup title for three consecutive years back in 1997,’98 and ’99.
Al-Ahli Benghazi, who will enjoy home advantage will try their all to win in front of their own supporters after finishing runners up last season.
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