Basketball fans in Dubai were treated to a classic as Al Nasr pulled off a narrow 102–101 victory over Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE Open Cup. The game had everything—explosive plays, defensive grit, and a finish that kept everyone on edge until the final buzzer.
Shabab Al Ahli came out strong, powered by their dynamic roster. Deshandre Washington, known for his athleticism and versatility, brought his trademark energy, slashing to the rim and making plays on both ends of the floor. Alongside him, Dikembe Dixson, an experienced wing with an international pedigree, showed off his scoring ability and high-flying athleticism. Coming off the bench, 6’8 forward Assane Boye brought his trademark athleticism, using his length and leaping ability to deliver emphatic dunks. A longtime presence in the UAE basketball scene and a fixture with Shabab Al Ahli for several years, Boye’s experience and energy continue to make him a valuable asset for the club. Local standouts like Qais Omar Alshabebi, and rising players such as Omar Al Amri, and Saeed Al Ajmani added depth and impact, giving Shabab Al Ahli multiple options to challenge Al Nasr’s defense. Their ability to combine outside shooting with emphatic dunks made them a constant threat.
On the other side, Al Nasr leaned on a mix of international firepower and local talent. Marvelle Harris, a proven scorer who once starred at Fresno State in the NCAA and went on to build a strong professional career overseas, shouldered much of the offensive load with his tough shot-making. Eugene Omoruyi, the Canadian-Nigerian forward with NBA experience from his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards, brought physicality, versatility, and a strong two-way presence that gave Al Nasr a crucial edge. Supported by Emirati players such as Saleh Sultan, Hamad Ashoor, Hassn Hussein, and Faisal Mohammed, along with the towering presence of Mamadou Ndiaye, Al Nasr’s full-court defensive pressure and relentless team actions wore Shabab Al Ahli down just enough to escape with the win.
The matchup also highlighted the competitive spirit of two of the biggest clubs in the UAE. Shabab Al Ahli, one of the most decorated teams in the Gulf with multiple league titles, continues to set the bar for domestic basketball dominance. Meanwhile, Al Nasr, with its historic sporting tradition in Dubai, is showing it can compete at the highest level by blending international with homegrown talent.
While Shabab Al Ahli delivered the flash with dunks and three-point barrages, it was Al Nasr’s grit, persistence, and timely execution that ultimately made the difference. The game ended 102–101, but both squads proved that the UAE Open Cup is a stage where basketball in the Emirates is reaching new heights.