Received Istora Senayan's Public Support When Losing To Australia In The 2022 FIBA Asia Cup Final, Captain Lebanon: I Can Only Say Thank You

Lebanese basketball player Wael Arakji (20/left) tries to break through the obstacles of Australian basketball in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup final at Istora Senayan. (Photo via ANTARA FOTO/Aditya Pradana Putra)

JAKARTA - The Lebanese basketball team failed to win the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup. However, there was something that made the Lebanese players seem happy in the match.

Lebanon surrendered with a narrow score of 73-75 to Australia in the final match which took place at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday, July 24. The fierce resistance was able to be given by The Cedar after getting support from the Istora public.

Lebanon captain Wael Arkaji said the crowd liked the underdogs. "When they see an unseeded team, they (the audience) will give encouragement," he said, as quoted by Antara.

"Of course I was a little happy when the crowd was a little booed at Australia who tried to seal the win early, but it was even more fun how the cheers sounded both for us and the opponent. For all of that, I can only say thank you," he continued.

The Lebanese coach, Jad El Hajj also thanked the fans for the incredible support of the Istora crowd in the final match. He said the players really enjoyed the support.

"You can see how our players really enjoyed the atmosphere. How they scored every time they looked at the audience who immediately greeted with cheers," said El Hajj.

"This is something extraordinary. Thank you very much to the audience who support us," he continued.

Meanwhile, Australia's victory made them defend the title they won in the previous edition, five years ago. At that time, the team nicknamed the Boomers became the best in Zouk Mikael, Lebanon.