Like in the playoff match against FUS Rabat Basketball Morocco, Joel Ntambwe’s game was on another level for Kriol Star, leading the way with a team-high 25 points and 7 rebounds.
Oliver Ochieng
Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya and Egypt’s Al Ittihad Alexandria became the first two teams to advance to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) semifinals in Pretoria, South Africa, over the weekend as the tournament entered the crucial win-or-go-home stage.
Tripoli outclassed Cape Verdean side Kriol Star, registering a dominant 107-81 victory in the first quarterfinal match-up.
Fabian White Jr. powered his side to the impressive victory after recording a mouthwatering 34 points and 13 rebounds, while Jayden Adams contributed 19 points.
Like in the playoff match against FUS Rabat Basketball Morocco, Joel Ntambwe’s game was on another level for Kriol Star, leading the way with a team-high 25 points and 7 rebounds.
The best night in Pretoria was, however, saved for the last, as Al Ittihad registered a low-margin 86-83 overtime win over FUS Rabat to stay alive in the competition.
FUS Rabat’s Nisre Zouzou delivered a clutch three-pointer to send the game into overtime, but the Egyptians held on to preserve their unbeaten record in the competition.
Lual Acuil’s double of 16 points and 11 rebounds coupled with Kyle Vinales’ 16 points and 7 assists alongside Major Deng’s contribution of 15 points propelled their side to victory, in the process denting FUS Rabat’s chances.
It was not all gloom for the Moroccans, as Jonathan Jordan led all scorers with 23 points.
Speaking post quarterfinal match, Fouad Abou Chacra, Al Ahli coach said after the win, he cannot ask for more from his players, adding that they put up a good show.
“After the loss to Al Ittihad, you always wait for a reaction from your players. I knew that I had good soldiers. They reacted very well. As a coach, you cannot ask for more,” stated the coach.
Jalan MC Cloud, Kriol Star player said besides the defeat, one of his takeaways from the tourney is the need for effectively executing their game plan.
“Some of the lessons include practicing in detail and executing the game plan.”
After the second quarterfinal clash, Youseff Aboushousha, Al Ittihad forward, said the narrow win is a wake-up call, adding that he is glad it came up early; otherwise, they would have been out of the tournament.
“This is a wake-up call for us. I am just glad that this wake-up call came early in the quarterfinals,” he noted.
“It is a good reminder to stay focused,” he added.
On his part, Rabat’s Jonathan Jordan said they definitely deserve a part on the back, expressing his satisfaction with his colleagues’ performance on and off the court.
“It has been an amazing journey with this squad. Everybody played their hearts out. As far as emotions are concerned, this was tough,” he admitted.
During playoff matches, Cape Verdean Kriol Star edged past FUS Rabat Basketball of Morocco 91–88, while Al Ittihad emerged with an incredible 85-74 win against Al Ahli Tripoli.
Quarterfinal matches continue today as APR of Rwanda take on Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers at 4pm Central African Time (CAT), before Tunisia’s US Monastir take on Angola’s Petro De Luanda at 7pm.
/SPNA
