BEIRUT (Lebanon) - For Iraq, the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifying Tournament is more than just a tournament. It's a battle to reclaim their place among Asia's best, a chance to erase past heartbreak and prove they belong.
On March 21, Iraq begin their final push to qualify for Asia Cup 2025. Standing in their way? Bahrain and India - the same teams that crushed their dreams three years ago. The setting? Khalifa Sports City in Manama, Bahrain - the very arena where Iraq's hopes were shattered in 2022.
Now, they return with everything on the line. Win, and they move forward. Lose, and the road to the Asia Cup - and the World Cup - ends before it begins.
Manama: The Site of Heartbreak
The last time Iraq played these teams in Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers, the pain was unforgettable.
They lost every game, including two defeats to Bahrain (both games decided by just 3 points) and two stinging losses to India - one loss at the hands of a half-court buzzer-beating game-winner by Vishesh Bhriguvanshi.
The message is clear - Manama presents Iraq a second chance. Now, they have to take it.
Veselin Matic: The familiar coach
This time, Iraq have a new leader in Serbian head coach Veselin Matic, a veteran in Asian basketball.
He has coached Iran, Lebanon, and India, winning the 2009 FIBA Asia Cup with Iran. Now, his mission is to take Iraq back to the top.
After Iraq's crucial win over Palestine in February, Matic's focus was already on the next step:
"We have to forget everything... We have to prepare for the next round. That is very important."
Now, that next round has arrived.
Ihab Al-Zuhairi: Iraq's towering anchor
If anyone understands Iraq's hunger, it's Ihab Al-Zuhairi.
At 2.10M (6'11"), he has been Iraq's backbone, dominating the Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers with 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. He's been a consistent double-digit scorer since the last Asia Cup Qualifiers - a sign of him getting closer to the potential he has flashed ever since making his senior national team debut in 2016.
But for him, this isn't just about making the Asia Cup - it’s about something bigger.
"I want to say that it's a dream [to qualify for the Asia Cup], but it's not [only] that. The dream is to reach the World Cup. However, internal and external struggles let us believe that qualifying for the Asia Cup is a dream. You can call it a step forward."
He also always knows who they're playing for.
Al-Zuhairi said after beating Palestine in the previous window to advance "I say thanks to the fans. They were unbelievable, they support us, they are the key to our passion. We promised each other that we would fight for them..."
Now, Iraq need him to take charge again.
The Fight Begins
On March 21, Iraq face India. Two days later, they take on Bahrain.
The past doesn't matter. The heartbreak of Asia Cup 2022 Qualifiers doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is what happens next.
Manama was once where Iraq's dreams ended. Now, it's where they fight to bring them back to life.
FIBA