SHENZHEN (China) - Keeping their place in Division A is of utmost imperative for Lebanon heading into the much anticipated FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 that opens this weekend in this sprawling Chinese city.
The Cedars proved that they belong in the competition's top level after finishing seventh during the 2023 edition in Sydney, and so, showing that they can stay and be among the continent's revered will now be the target.
For a quick look-back, the West Asian side earned their return ticket to Div. A behind a splendid campaign in 2021 in Amman, where they rolled to a four-game sweep of Division B - including a rout of host Jordan in the Final.
Yes, the country has actually competed in Division A back in 2011 in Omura, Japan following a runner-up finish in Level II two years prior. It was a commendable performance as they went on to secure fifth place
Now, it's all about being consistent. Thus, their decision to include the old reliables into the final lineup for the July 13-20 showpiece, as they look to bank on familiarity to bolster their bid of avoiding relegation.
Rebecca Akl will once again be front and center in the tilt ahead and she will be surrounded by faces she has known for a while now, namely youngster Aman Mansour, Daniella Fayad, Zena Elias, and Perla Bou Nasr.
The quintet formed part of the team that competed in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda and their experience should bode well in their battle ahead.
Akl and Mansour, in particular, were two of Lebanon's best players during their run in Kigali and there should be no question that the tandem will be embracing roles so significant in the 2025 Women's Asia Cup.
Making them all the more interesting to watch is the debut of Jillian Archer, who will serve as their naturalized player - and will have some big shoes to fill as she will take the place formerly taken by Trinity Baptiste.
Also added into the mix is former youth team standout Meg Naassan, who was among the best players of the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup-Division B last year with 14.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
It sure is going to be an exciting tourney ahead but it isn't lost on this crew that such can only take them far, for they will have to overcome other competitors - and contenders - in an aim to reach their goal.
They're actually situated in Group B, which features Japan and Australia - the runners-up and bronze medalists, respectively, of the 2023 competitions eventually lorded over by China, who are leading Group A.
Then there's also the Philippines, a squad looking not only to stay in Division A but to clinch a Top Six finish, too, as it would merit a slot in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
Needless to say, Team Lebanon will have their hands full in the games ahead.
To know more about Lebanon in the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup, click here.
FIBA
