Author name: Sindiswa Mabunda

Avid fan of basketball. Former Wits University basketball player and contributor on The Big Tip Off.

African teams sharpen tools for battle in World Cup qualifiers

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RWANDA and Mexico will serve as battlegrounds for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pre-qualifiers (19 September -25 September) in the coming days. African countries Mozambique, Mali, Senegal, and Rwanda are part of 16 teams vying for a spot in the next round of qualifiers.

Mozambique and Mali are in Mexico for their qualifying leg, while Senegal travel to Rwanda in their bid to stake their claim for a spot in the next round.

In this article, The Big Tip Off offers a preview of each African team, highlighting their strengths, key players, and the crucial games that could shape their World Cup aspirations.

Team Profiles:

Mali

The West African nation has the potential to live up to its promise in the FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifying tournaments. Historically significant in African basketball, Mali’s recent endeavours highlight their resilience and potential.

Star Player: Is Maïmouna Haïdara ready to grab the mantle of star for her country? The Spain-based forward has been a star in world and continental youth tournaments for Mali – while she’s already graduated to the seniors, she’s yet to set that scene alight. Can Haidara lead Mali’s charge in Mexico?

Maimouna Haidara has been a star player for Mali at the youth level. Pictures: FIBA

Recent Performance: Mali’s recent performance includes a challenging 2022 World Cup campaign, where they ended with a 0-5 record. However, their solid showing in the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket, where they reached the quarterfinals, indicates a team capable of competitive play.

Pivotal Game: The match against Czechia (Czech Republic) will be crucial for Mali. Both teams are similarly ranked, and this game could be a determining factor in advancing to the World Cup.

Group A match-ups: Mali will face Korea, Czechia, and Venezuela. The game against Czechia will be particularly significant for determining their advancement.

Outlook: A young Haidara is leading a new core of Mali players who face a stiff challenge in their group. Success in their game against Czechia will be crucial to their advancement.

 

Mozambique

Mozambique is making strides after a strong performance in recent competitions. Their previous World Cup appearance (in 2014) and solid showing in the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket highlight their competitive edge.

Star Player: Tamara Seda is Mozambique’s key player – she averaged 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds at AfroBasket. Her dominant presence in the paint will be crucial for Mozambique.

Tamara Seda will add oomph to Mozambique’s offence in Mexico.

Recent Performance: Mozambique’s impressive 5th-place finish at the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket underscores their potential. Seda’s performance and the team’s overall competitiveness positions them well for the upcoming tournaments.

Pivotal Game: The battle against New Zealand is critical. Only a victory will do for Mozambique against the Kiwis, who had a strong showing at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.

Group B match-ups: Mozambique will compete against Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, and Korea. The game against New Zealand could be a vital factor in their qualification.

Outlook: The Southern African nation’s success will depend on leveraging its recent form and the impact of Tamara Seda. The game against New Zealand will be a significant determinant of their advancement.

 

Senegal

The Lionesses have a talented roster and will aim to make an impact in the World Cup Pre-Qualifying tournaments.

Star Player: Cierra Dillard was a 2023 AfroBasket All-Star and a standout player for Senegal. Her skills and experience will be essential for the team’s campaign. Dillard averaged 14.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game during AfroBasket, providing valuable scoring and playmaking for the team.

Recent Performance: Senegal’s success includes a silver medal at the 2023 African Championship. With Otis Hughley Jr, who led Nigeria to past AfroBasket victories, at the helm, Senegal has positioned itself for a strong showing.

Cierra Dillard will pull the strings in attack for Senegal in the World Cup qualifiers in Rwanda.

Pivotal Game: The game against Hungary will be a major test. Both teams are top contenders, and this clash will be crucial in determining the top positions in their group.

Group C match-ups: Senegal will face Brazil, Hungary, and the Philippines. The game against Hungary could lead to Senegal securing the top position.

Outlook: With a strong roster and recent success, Senegal is a leading contender.

 

Rwanda

As hosts of the tournament, Rwanda’s women’s basketball team is looking to build on their recent successes and make an impact on home soil.

Star Player: Bella Murekatete is Rwanda’s key player. The first Rwandan woman to play NCAA Division I basketball, Murekatete has a notable college career, becoming Washington State University’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocks. Her defensive prowess and ability to score in the paint will be crucial for Rwanda’s performance.

Recent Performance: Rwanda’s fourth-place finish at the 2023 AfroBasket highlights their potential. Hosting the qualifiers and local support is a plus for the East Africans.

Pivotal Game: The impact of the home crowd at the BK Arena could be decisive. Rwanda’s local fans have been a factor in past events, and their support will be crucial in the qualifiers.

Bella Murekatete will hold the key to Rwanda’s success on home soil.

Group D match-ups: Rwanda will compete against Great Britain, Argentina, and Lebanon. Leveraging home support will be essential for advancing.

Outlook: Rwanda’s chances will depend on its ability to harness home support and build on recent performances. Strong showings in their group games will be key to advancing to the next stage.

Each team brings its strengths, challenges, and aspirations to the table. Mozambique’s Tamara Seda will look to dominate the paint, Mali’s Sika Koné aims to leverage her WNBA experience, Senegal’s Cierra Dillard seeks to continue her strong form, and Rwanda’s Bella Murekatete hopes to make a significant impact on home soil.

With each tournament featuring intense match-ups and high stakes, these teams will battle not only for a spot in the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments but also to showcase their growth and potential on the global stage. The results from these pre-qualifying rounds will influence their immediate futures and reflect the broader evolution of women’s basketball in Africa.

The road to Berlin promises to be exciting, with these African teams poised to make a mark and possibly secure their places in the next stage of the World Cup journey.

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Prominent figures share their thoughts on BWB 2024

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BASKETBALL Without Borders (BWB) Africa is more than a sporting event, it is a once-in-lifetime opportunity for aspiring players. It is a pivotal developmental experience for 60 young athletes from 24 African nations.

With the 20th edition of BWB Africa closing today (Tuesday) at the program’s spiritual home, Johannesburg – some prominent voices in basketball offered their perspectives on the game’s global impact.

Global Influences on a Local Stage

Taking place at the American International School of Johannesburg, the initiative by FIBA and the NBA showcases basketball’s power to bridge diverse cultures and foster talent. “Every year basketball is becoming more and more of a global game,” notes Darko Rajaković, head coach of the Toronto Raptors. “The NBA and FIBA are doing an outstanding job of developing the game, which is now being played in every part of the world.”

Darko Rajakovic at BWB
Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic says South Africa has a lot of potential. Pictures: NBA Africa

Building a strong basketball culture

Rajaković also shared insights on how South Africa could build a robust basketball culture, drawing from his experiences in Yugoslavia and Serbia. “Yugoslavian and Serbian basketball have a long tradition of success, starting back in the 70s and 80s. We were able to continue a system of work by starting to work with players at a very young age… That is the biggest thing – how to organize youth programs and engage young people to join basketball from a very young age. If you do that, you will be unstoppable, and there is so much talent in South Africa, so it is very amazing.”

Leadership and learning

Rajaković, who completed his first year as NBA head coach, is impressed with how the game has grown to other parts of the world. “It’s amazing to see how talent is growing worldwide,” said the Serbia-born coach.

The former Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach emphasized which areas of the game young players should focus on. “It always starts with passing and playing without the ball. How you move. How you cut and how you space. It is about really playing unselfishly. All young players need to understand how to play the game… Yes, everyone plays to win, but there are those small things that are needed. I hope all campers can leave here with those lessons,” said Rajakovic.

Empowering women in basketball

Two-time WNBA champion Sylvia Fowles brought a unique perspective to the camp. The former Minnesota Lynx star stressed the importance of personality and finding joy. “To be yourself. To have fun, and to soak up as much information as possible,” said Fowles, a four-time Olympic gold medallist.

Her (Fowles) presence, while inspirational for the campers, also highlighted the growing influence of women in basketball. She encouraged all campers to embrace and learn from diverse experiences and viewpoints.

“We are multifaceted people. We bring so much to the table outside of basketball,” said Fowles, acknowledging the broader life lessons the camp imparts. Reflecting on women’s basketball and its state, Fowles says, “It’s a big buzz right now. Women’s basketball has always been it. But for some reason, we weren’t getting as much attention as we are now. I must say, I am excited. We’re growing in the right direction and these young women are getting the attention they need. I hear there is a lot of good talent here so I am excited about that.”

Sylvia Fowles during BWB
Sylvia Fowles believes women’s basketball is headed in the right direction.

Local Representation

The camp also featured strong local participation with South African prospects, including Lana Schreyer, Reatlegile Taukobong, Ntokoza Thonga, Snquobile Thwala, Tinyiko Makhubela, and Ikechukwu Ejike. Their attendance showcases the talent pool within the host country and provides them with a platform to learn from some of the best in the world.

Reflecting on the Impact and Future

Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), offered his thoughts on the program. “Over 1,600 campers have passed through the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp since 2003 and 13 of them have excelled playing at the highest level in the NBA. Sixty-three have featured in the Basketball Africa League in the last four years. Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian camper in 2011 went on to become NBA Most Valuable Player in the 2022-2023 season. Khaman Maluach, the Basketball Without Borders Africa 2023 MVP, played for South Sudan at the Paris Olympics,” he excitedly stated.

For the BWB campers, every drill, game, and interaction is an opportunity for growth. The program also lays a foundation for young athletes to become better players and global ambassadors for the sport. As they continue to train and learn, the spirit of Basketball Without Borders remains a guiding force, promising a bright future for basketball in Africa and beyond.

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Can Côte D’Ivoire rise to the occasion in Olympic qualifiers?

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CÔTE d’Ivoire has established a strong tradition of basketball excellence on the continent over the past three decades.  They will begin their quest for a first-time appearance at the Olympic Games, by trying to qualify through the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Team Profile: The West African nation won two FIBA African Championships (AfroBasket) in 1981 and 1985 and earned four silver medals, with their most recent medal (again silver) coming at the 2021 edition. Les Éléphants have consistently demonstrated their determination and competitiveness, solidifying themselves as a formidable basketball nation.

Solo Diabate
Solo Diabate will look to crown his career by helping Cote d’Ivoire qualify for the Olympic Games. Pictures: FIBA

The team will participate in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament games in San Juan, Puero-Rico (2-7 July). They are in Group A alongside Mexico and Lithuania.

Star Players: Côte d’Ivoire will rely on veteran point guard and floor general, Souleymane Diabaté. Diabaté, who made three clutch free throws in Les Éléphants’ sole win over Iran at the 2023 World Cup, concluded the recent BAL season as runner-up with Al Ahly Benghazi, where he averaged 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Diabaté is a dependable scorer and facilitator who will also offer Les Éléphants perimeter defence in the upcoming games.

Since wearing the Orange vest of the Côte d’Ivoire Jean Phillipe Dally has been an important cog for the Les Elephants. Dally’s ability to score and crash boards have made him a constant feature for his country.

During the FIBA World Cup, averaged 10.8 points per game and 2.4 rebounds per game, and at the recent 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers, the shooting guard numbers jumped to 12 points per game and 5.3 assists per game.

Coach: Spanish coach Natxo Lezkano, who was with the team from 2011-2015 and returned in 2020, will be the head coach. Lezkano’s familiarity with the team will help identify areas for improvement as they analyze results from preparation games leading up to their first match in San Juan.

Jean Phillipe Dally
Jean Phillipe Dally has been a key contributor for the Elephants in major tournaments.

The team has undergone preparations for the OQT without recording a win but has significantly improved, reducing the scoring margin from their first loss against Belgium (88-63). In their second game against the Dominican Republic, they lost 69-67 despite Mo Bamba’s 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists. In their final encounter against Portugal, they lost 91-84.

Les Éléphants have proved themselves as a strong outfit in continental play but have yet to find their footing on the international stage. The team struggled to find their offensive footing during the World Cup, but can they come together in Puerto Rico to make Paris 2024 a reality?

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Can Rödl’s Olympic experience rub off on Egypt in qualifiers?

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EGYPT has a storied basketball history, marked by their triumphs in the FIBA Africa Championships (AfroBasket). The country’s competitive domestic league, sports governance and top-notch facilities have made it a hub for the Basketball Africa League.

While their presence on the global stage is still growing, their performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they secured two wins out of five, was a promising start. They narrowly missed direct qualification to this year’s Paris Olympics after a close 88-86 loss to New Zealand at the World Cup.

To stamp the ticket to Paris, the Pharoahs must now journey through the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, scheduled for Tuesday (2-7 July). Greece, one of four host countries of the qualifiers, is where Egypt will begin their quest to end a 36-year Olympic hiatus.

Leading the Pharoah’s hopes of a long-awaited appearance at the Games is German coach Henrick Rödl, who previously led his home country to the Tokyo Games. Rödl boasts an impressive CV as a player and coach, so the Egyptians will feel comfortable that their German mentor is well-equipped to lead the Pharaohs to success.

In an interview with The Big Tip-Off, Coach Rödl, an NCAA champion during his playing days at North Carolina University and a German Cup trophy as coach of ALBA Berlin, gave insights on Egypt’s team chemistry and their aspiration of making the Olympics.

Henrik Rodl
Former Germany coach Henrik Rodl says it was an easy decision to take up the Egyptian coaching job. Pictures: FIBA

Rödl was already coaching in Egypt when he took over from Roy Rana at the start of the year. The two had a history together as Rana served as Rödl’s assistant coach during the Tokyo Olympics.

“When I heard that the head coach position for the national team was open… It didn’t take me very long to decide. I know the people there and most of the players I have worked with. I feel very comfortable with the players and the staff,” said the former Al Ittihad Alexandria coach.

On the tactical side, his (Rödl) collaboration and shared philosophy with Rana made the transition into the national team smooth for Rodl. The German explained, “A lot of the stuff that I emphasize, they have already heard from coach Roy Rana. We have a very similar system, especially at the defensive end.”

To qualify for Paris, Rödl will bank on the synergy the players built through competing against one another over the years in domestic competition.

“I think that is the big advantage of this group… They are very familiar with each other. They know each other, they like each other, and they play well together,” Rödl said.

Preparation for the tournament, although brief due to varying season lengths, has been focused on reinforcing the team’s core fundamentals.

“Right now the first sessions have been about us trying to implement the base, offensively, defensively and just the ground rules. The fine-tuning has to come from playing,” explains Rödl.

Egypt has played preparation games against Cameroon, Latvia and Georgia. Unfortunately, the Pharaohs went winless, going 0-3 in their fixtures. Reflecting on the loss against the Indomitable Lions, who notched a 78-74 victory, Rödl felt the friendly games were primarily about refining their base strategy, identifying areas for improvement, and adapting to different opponents.

“Cameroon was a tough opponent for our first game. They are a strong, athletic team that plays hard defensively. This made it difficult for some of our players to get into their offence. This is the kind of challenge we can expect in the qualifiers,” said Rödl. “Transitioning from practice to a game is never flawless, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s a time to identify the areas that need work.”

Looking ahead to Greece, Group B presents a formidable challenge for Egypt, with matchups against Greece and the Dominican Republic. The top two teams advance to the next round to face the top two from Group A, which includes Croatia, New Zealand, and Slovenia.

Despite Egypt being underdogs, a situation familiar to Rödl, the team remains focused. The experienced coach’s approach is based on executing game plans effectively, capitalising on strengths, and leveraging tactical advantages in each match.

“Qualifying for Tokyo with the German team, we were not the favourite by far because we were missing many players. This (Olympic Qualifiers) is somewhat similar, where we know we are the underdogs in most of the games. But we have a very good spirit, a fighting spirit. We play hard and we play together. If we do this, then good things can happen,” said Rödl. “The first game is important for both teams – the Dominican Republic and us. So, we will try to prepare the best we can to give ourselves a chance to win. And if that can happen, we have another chance to win (against Greece).”

Henrik Rodl leading Germany
Henrik Rodl says being part of the Olympic Games was a special moment.

Egypt’s greatest strength is its collective spirit, resilience, and determination to succeed. Their performance in last year’s FIBA World Cup marked the beginning of a new chapter for the North African nation. Their story will continue this week as they strive to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Games.

Rodl, already well-versed in the Olympics experience reflected on what he called a “special event”. 

“It is an honour to be in this Olympic Qualifying tournament. It is an honour to be part of the Olympic spirit. Being in the Olympics is perhaps the most special feeling. This is one of the most special events in the world of sports. We are lucky to be there, as coaches and athletes,” said Rödl.

Egypt is undoubtedly a talented team and they will be hopeful that Rödl has the right formula to mastermind a successful qualifying campaign for the North Africans in Greece. 

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Egypt’s Pharoahs will fancy their chances in tricky group

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EGYPT will be one of Africa’s representatives in one of the legs of the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments starting on Tuesday. The North Africans will compete in Piraeus, Greece from 2-7 July for a ticket to the Paris Games.  

Team Profile: Egypt

Egypt has a strong basketball tradition in Africa. Nicknamed the Pharaohs, Egypt has achieved significant success on the continent, including the best result of any African basketball team at the Olympics. They have won the second most FIBA Africa Championships, also known as AfroBasket, with five titles, trailing only Angola.

Egypt’s basketball team achieved their best Olympic result by finishing ninth in 1952. However, they have not participated in the Olympics for 36 years. Their last appearance was the 1988 Summer Games in South Korea.

Ehab Amin in action for Egypt
Ehab Amin has been a star of the Egyptian team. Pictures: FIBA

After an impressive performance at the 2023 World Cup, where they narrowly missed qualifying directly for the Olympics, Egypt is now preparing to compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece for their chance to secure a spot.

Star Players: Abdel Nader, a star in the NBL, will be making his national team debut. With experience in both the NBA and the G-League, his addition to the team will provide an extra scoring option and second-chance opportunities. He averaged 14.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while playing with the South East Melbourne Phoenix this past season.

The Pharaohs will also benefit from the existing team chemistry, particularly from the Al Ahly players who just concluded the BAL season together. Ehab Amin and Patrick Gardener will be crucial pieces for the Pharaohs.

Amin will play a prime role in the team’s success. Averaging 19.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game at the FIBA World Cup last year, he will be crucial in providing perimeter defence to limit the three-point threat of Greece and the Dominican Republic – teams that boast NBA talent.

Egyptian American forward Gardener, at 6ft 11, will bring versatile scoring to the team. He shoots well from behind the arc and has a soft touch at the rim. His physical presence will be crucial in contests in the paint.

Patrick Gardner in action for Egypt
Patrick Gardner’s versatility as a scorer makes him a threat for Egypt.

Group B Match Ups & Outlook: Egypt will face Greece and the Dominican Republic – possibly a tricky group for the Pharaohs.

Following the loss against Cameroon in the friendly preparation game last week, the Egyptians will have to work on plugging the holes in their armoury. Amin did not suit up for the encounter against the Indomitable Lions, who took advantage of that, making their bread and butter from the three-point line as the North Africans struggled to adjust.

The biggest challenge for the Egyptians could be Giannis Antetokoumpo and Greece. Antetokoumpo, known as the Greek Freak, will pose a threat at both ends of the paint, with his height and length. The North Africans could believe they have a slight edge over the Dominican Republic, who will be without Karl Anthony Towns and Al Horford. Should Egypt advance out of their group, they will likely face Ivan Zubac and Croatia, Luka Dončič and Slovenia or New Zealand.

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Eke banks on Hoopers’ BAL run to lift image of Nigerian basketball

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FOLLOWING the Rivers Hoopers’ BAL third-place final game win against the Cape Town Tigers, which earned them a podium finish, the post-game press conference started unconventionally.

Guard Devine Eke initiated his own press conference while waiting for coach Ogoh Odaudu to emerge from the locker room with his Coach of the Year trophy. He posed questions to the media for about 2 minutes before jokingly concluding the short proceedings, saying he should stop before he gets into trouble upon Odaudu’s return.

Eke’s energetic presence provided insight into the team dynamic, balanced by a laid-back atmosphere and mutual respect. This has defined the team’s DNA in the Cinderella story for the Rivers Hoopers this season.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Eke discussed his initial impressions of the league and the team’s goal for the season.

Devine Eke at the BAL
Devine Eke led the Hoopers to a third-place finish in Season 4 of the BAL. Picture: The BAL and X Ball

Eke, who joined the team in February, admitted he was initially sceptical about the readiness of the league. However, after having a superb BAL tournament, he acknowledged his misconceptions about the BAL were incorrect.

“I didn’t think the BAL was ready yet, but man, I was wrong. This league is amazing, and I love it. I’ve met so many great people. My expectations were wrong. Everyone who told me to come was 100% right… I’m happy I listened to those who advised me.”

Hoopers, returning to the BAL since last appearing in 2021, wanted to shift how Nigerian basketball is viewed, especially after the national team’s dismal performance in the first round of AfroBasket qualifiers in February.

“The goal coming here was changing the narrative of our country’s basketball. We want the next time a Nigerian team comes here to believe they can do what Rivers Hoopers did or even better.”

From the first game, it was evident that it was a different team. Over and above the obvious changes made to the roster and additions to the coaching staff, there was a strong sense of unity that is often scarce amongst teams in this competition.

 

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Eke, who made the All-BAL Second team, pointed to chemistry and a selfless desire to win, as the North Star that guided them to their Cinderella run.

“I think our team chemistry is one of a kind. From the local players to import players, everybody had the same goal. So when you have a team that has the same goal, it’s easy to bond, it’s easy to win, it’s easy to just be successful,” said Eke.

“Everyone had the same goal of winning, nobody cared about scoring. Nobody cared about their minutes. Nobody cared about rebounds or assists. We all just came together as a collective and wanted to win. And that made it easy.”

This unity began at the top, from the coaching staff and management led by Odaudu. From the outside looking in, it would have been easy to perceive Odaudu’s impact on the team as purely tactical. But to Eke, his coach had a far-reaching effect. Each player was encouraged to keep taking shots and find the open man, whether they had a lead they were trying to maintain or cut down on one.

“He gave us confidence and faith, and he believed in us. There were a lot of times during the games – obviously, you guys don’t see it… But there’s been a lot of times during the games when guys had their heads down, even myself, but the way he encouraged us was just tremendous,” explained Eke. “Having coaches that encourage you and don’t just bring you down because you’re missing shots or bench you when you turn the ball over, that’s something really big.”

Devine Eke believes the best of Rivers Hoopers is still to come.

After the Hoopers lost to Al Ahly Benghazi in the semi-finals, they identified the key areas that needed to improve to clinch a podium finish.

“I think we improved our rebounding and limited our turnovers. When we look at the games we lost, it’s because of rebounding and turnovers. And when we focused on that, we could win,” said Eke. “We focused on ourselves, we wanted to keep having fun. You know, from the beginning like, the reason why we were winning was because everyone was having fun. Everyone was touching the ball, everyone was swinging a ball, everyone was scoring, and our bench was going crazy. So we just wanted to keep the same mindset that we had in Dakar.”

Reflecting on his BAL debut, Eke says the tournament has improved his skill level and raised his stock.

“There is a lot of amazing talent in this league, everybody is strong, skilful and physical. This helped me because I had to really think the game through. There are a lot of great players coached by great coaches and this helped my game a lot,” said Eke.

He also hopes the Hoopers will improve on this season’s BAL performance.

“We just want to grow from this season. See what we did wrong, what we did right and just keep striving for greatness,” said Eke. “The main goal is to come back next year. We want to put Hoopers somewhere special. This year we finished third, but we want to be able to win the BAL.”

The Rivers Hoopers’ goal for next season is ambitious but achievable. With no back-to-back champions yet, three new teams in this year’s semi-finals, a team from the Road to The BAL making it to the finals and the crowning of a new champion, the evidence is clear that the championship is anyone’s for the taking.

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Petro’s BAL triumph opens a new chapter for Angolan basketball

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(KIGALI) The Petro de Luanda team woke up on Sunday with that championship feeling. They will head home to Angola, knowing they are Africa’s number 1 club. After three frustrating years of consistently finishing in the top four in the BAL, winning the continental title at the fourth attempt, in Season 4 of the competition must be extra sweet for Petro.

The Os Tricolores secured a thrilling 107-94 victory over Al Ahly Benghazi, who made BAL history by becoming the first Road to BAL team to make it to the final.

Losing coach Ivan Jermic of Al Ahly praised his team’s effort and acknowledged Petro’s superior defence. “They played a really good game tonight (Saturday). We were in the game for the first three quarters but they played good defence. They pushed us away from the basket and gave themselves opportunities to score on fast breaks,” Jermic reflected. “My players gave the maximum but tonight Petro won.”

Childe Dundao at the BAL
Childe Dundao played his part in Petro’s successful BAL Season 4 campaign. Picture: BAL

The Serbian acknowledged the significance of their journey, “For Al Ahly, this is a big deal. This is the first time they have played in this kind of competition. This is good quality basketball, the organization is really good. We are happy that this kind of competition exists. I believe Africa will be exciting in the next 20 years,” Jermic stated.

Standout performances from key players drove Petro’s victory. Nicholas Faust was exceptional, scoring 27 points, while Markeith Cummings added 20 points, demonstrating his leadership on and off the court. “I was one of the leaders in the locker room and our main thing was to always stay confident and together whether we are down 30 or 40. Just believe in each other and we showed it,” Cummings stated.

Reflecting on the depth of Petro’s roster, Cummings added, “Our bench – we have a lot of guys so we can go up to the ninth or tenth man in the rotation and I think they go up to four or five and that’s about it. So we used all our firepower.”

Petro’s captain, Carlos Morais, expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “This means everything to us. We’ve been trying to get this trophy for four years. And to get it now, it means a lot not just for Petro but for Angolan basketball. Now we see hope at the end of the tunnel. Next year Angola is going to host the AfroBasket, so winning this trophy means a lot for everybody,” Morais shared.

 

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Reflecting on their journey and the impact of former coach Neto, he explained, “I’m never gonna compare coaches and philosophies, but I’m gonna take this moment to thank Coach Neto for everything he did for us because he is part of what just happened. He is part of the group that we have. He is the one who put everything together.”

Jo Acuil, who won the Defensive Player of the Year, the Scoring Title, and the Most Valuable Player awards, spoke about his mixed emotions.

“I think I am gonna need a couple of days to process the impact of what really just happened. Obviously, the emotions are still very raw after the loss. I lost in game 5 in Australia as well, so it has been disappointing and that is all I can think about now,” Acuil said. “As far as what I have won? They hold significance but I am naturally a winner, and very competitive so I would give away all three of these to get the main trophy because as much as anything, I know what it meant to me, what it would have meant for Libya but the people of South Sudan as well.”

Jo Acuil in action at the BAL
Jo Acuil won individual honours, MVP and top scorer at the BAL despite Al Ahly’s loss to Petro.

Yanick Moreira emphasized the importance of teamwork and resilience in their victory. “I don’t know if you remember but last time I was here after we lost. And I have seen many faces who thought we were done. All we did was talk in the locker room because we knew we weren’t playing our basketball but when we started the third quarter – we made some stops and we kept running and that is how we won,” Moreira explained.

He also highlighted the significance of the win for Angola. “It means a lot for our country. We haven’t played great basketball – we have been coming for four years straight and many people were saying that Angolan basketball is done. So, we have done this for our country.”

As Petro de Luanda celebrates their hard-fought victory, they look forward to future challenges with renewed confidence and determination. The triumph marks a milestone for the team and the start of a new era for Angolan basketball.

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BAL Season 4 Final: Who will have the edge? Petro or Al Ahly

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(KIGALI) The final game of the BAL will see Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Libya battle it out for the championship. Both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in their semi-final victories.

Petro de Luanda:

Path to Semi-Finals: Petro secured a narrow 66-65 win against AS Douanes in the quarter-finals, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Nicholas Faust’s clutch three-pointer in the final seconds was crucial to their victory.

Semi-Final Recap: Petro showcased their depth and tactical acumen, in their semi-final battle victory over Cape Town Tigers. Despite a back-and-forth battle, Petro’s Nicholas Faust hit crucial three-pointers in the second quarter to build a lead. The Tigers fought back to tie the game and force overtime, but Petro outscored them 19-9 in the extra period, securing a 96-86 win.

Carlos Morais BAL final
Carlos Morais will provide experience coming off the bench in today’s final: Pictures: The BAL

Al Ahly Libya:

Path to Semi-Finals: Al Ahly pulled off an upset against defending champions Al Ahly Egypt with an 86-77 victory. Robert Golden’s 23 points, nine assists, and strong performances from Jo Acuil and Majok Deng, were paramount to their success.

Semi-Final Recap: Against the Rivers Hoopers, Al Ahly demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. Despite losing an 11-point halftime lead and trailing briefly in the fourth quarter, they rallied to tie the game and push it into overtime. Their composure in the extra period, highlighted by clutch free throws and defensive stops, led to an 89-83 victory.

Key Players to Watch:

Petro de Luanda: Carlos Morais’ leadership and scoring will be critical, and Nicholas Faust’s timely shooting can change the game’s momentum.

Al Ahly Libya: Robert Golden, a key playmaker, and Jo Acuil, whose inside presence can dominate the paint.

Jo Acuiel of Al Ahly Benghazi
Jo Acuil has been phenomenal on the boards and scoring for Al Ahly Benghazi.

Strategic Insights:

Petro de Luanda: Petro needs to maintain their defensive intensity and ensure shooters, like Nicholas Faust, get open looks. Controlling the tempo and limiting turnovers will be crucial.

Al Ahly Libya: Al Ahly must capitalize on their strong inside game and maintain pressure on Petro’s guards. Effective ball distribution and exploiting mismatches can break down Petro’s defence.

Final Thoughts:

The BAL final will be a clash of titans, each vying for the ultimate prize in the BAL trophy. Fans can expect a display of athleticism, and strategy, but most especially of heart as these teams lay it all on the line.

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Morais feels the BAL title is still within his and Petro’s grasp

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(KIGALI) Carlos Morais and Petro de Luanda are names synonymous with some of the best basketball on the continent. The veteran guard has had a legendary career spanning over 23 years, and a huge trophy haul.

Despite their impressive achievements, Morais and Petro have yet to add the BAL trophy to their collection. However, this could change as Petro gears up to compete against Al Ahly Benghazi in the highly anticipated BAL final on Saturday.

Leading up to the finals, The Big Tip Off interviewed the Angolan legend and team captain, Morais. The former Angolan international discussed his evolving role at Petro and what it would be like to win the championship ahead of the big game.

Ahead of the Kalahari Conference, Petro set themselves the goal of reaching the final. While achieving this goal has been satisfying, the journey has been challenging.

“It feels great because our main goal was to be in the finals. The season didn’t start in the way we wanted, we lost a few games down the road, but I’m happy we accomplished the main goal.”

Carlos Morais knows the window is closing on his desire to win the BAL title. Pictures: The BTO

Petro suffered three defeats this season. Their losses to FUS Rabat and Cape Town Tigers during the Kalahari Conference were because of a lack of preparation. Petro also struggled to find their identity on both ends of the floor. As a result, they resembled a shell of the strong team they once knew. The third loss was a buzzer-beater during the seeding games against US Monastir. Since then, Petro has made adjustments and overcome their slump, but the same cannot said of Morais, who has also had some struggles this season.

Morais has been a key player for Petro every year, averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game last season. However, his average has dropped this season. Morais averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He has also come off the bench in recent games, forming part of the second unit. This transition was unexpected for Morais, but he embraces it as his team competes for the title.

“I think everybody knows the type of player I am, and coming into this season, my goal was to play and contribute and help my team reach this goal, which is to be in the finals. Unfortunately, I’m not playing much at this point. But, you know, I can only control what I can control.” said Morais.

Petro has managed the changes well. At the beginning of the season, the team struggled to come up with an answer without Carlos. However, now every player is able and willing to take up the responsibility on any given night. Childe Dundao’s 25-point performance against FUS da Rabat in the Kalahari conference was evidence of this. Most recently, Nicholas Faust’s 23-point performance in the semi-finals also proved a new sense of accountability that has engulfed the Angolan club.

“I think the good thing about it is that this is a team sport. Somebody else had to step up, somebody else is doing what I can’t at this point. And, you know, I’m happy that we’re about to play another final.”

 

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However, Morais has continued to lead and motivate his teammates from the bench during the intense and unpredictable competition in Kigali. Aside from sharpening their tactics, Morais believes that the key to their new cohesion has been embracing a different side of the game – playing with heart.

“I believe basketball has to be played with heart. And we’ve shown that we have a big heart, like in the game against AS Douanes, we were down 20 in the fourth quarter but we came back because we showed everybody the heart that we have, also just staying together as a team.”

Reflecting on their loss to US Monastir in the 2022 final, Morais recalls areas of their game that needed to be improved on, for their fate to change this time around.

“Playing better defence and maintaining our high energy. Playing with high energy is one of the identities of our team. Every time we play with this energy, we always succeed. Just like when we play defence, I mean, it’s almost everything you can ask for when you talk about Petro Because then everything else is gonna come.”

 

Carlos Morais in BAL action
Carlos Morais knows a BAL trophy title can make up for their difficult season. Picture: FIBA Africa

With the immediate prospect of finally clinching a title tonight, Morais and Petro know what they need to do to execute their final task.

“I know my goal, everybody knows what my goal is. At this point in my career, I want to win. I want to win a trophy. I want to get the trophy. And I understand that every year, the battle is getting harder and harder. So I feel like this year, we have a great chance. So my goal is to win this year,” said Morais.

Despite facing challenges this season, Morais is looking ahead and is ready to continue competing and building his legacy. While his time on the court may soon come to an end, he feels at this point he still has much to give.

“I don’t know if I’m going to be back at the BAL. Everybody knows I’m 38 years old and a lot of people think that I’m about to end my career. But I still have a lot of gas in the tank. So I’m going to continue to play a few more years,” concluded Morais.

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Petro and Al Ahly Benghazi to battle it out in BAL final

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(KIGALI) On Wednesday night, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) semi-finals produced two thrilling encounters (Rivers Hoopers vs Al Ahly Benghazi; Cape Town Tigers vs Petro de Luanda), which saw Petro and Al Ahly win in overtime.

In an electrifying match, Petro de Luanda secured a hard-fought 96-86 victory over the Cape Town Tigers in overtime. Both teams played relentlessly, leading to numerous lead changes and a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.

The Tigers started strong, leading 16-15 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams demonstrated solid defence and efficient ball movement, keeping the game tight. However, foul trouble for the Tigers in the second quarter allowed Petro to gain a foothold.

With 7:40 left in the second quarter, back-to-back corner threes from Nicholas Faust put Petro up by six points. A turnover followed by an uncontested three extended their lead, making it 28-21 by halftime.

BAL action
Nkosinathi Sibanyoni drives to the rim while being guarded by Markieff Cummins in the BAL semi-final on Wednesday. Pictures: The BAL

The final quarter was a nail-biter, with the Tigers managing to tie the game at 77-77, thanks to Samkelo Cele’s clutch free throws, forcing the game into overtime. Petro’s resilience and tactical execution were evident as they outscored the Tigers 19-9, sealing their victory.

Petro’s Captain Carlos Morais praised the efforts of guard Samkelo Cele. “I love Samkelo, he is a great competitor, and from the last season, he has been growing and he is playing unbelievably. Coming into this game, the goal was to stop Cele because he is their best scorer and we respect him, I think he is gonna keep growing, he has a bright future.”

Coach Florsheim Ngwenya reflected on his team’s performance throughout the competition. “Congratulations to my guys because this is huge. Being at this stage of the competition gives everyone hope. We have done the impossible – it proves that South Africa has talent. However, how we organize the talent moving forward is important.

Petro will face Al Ahly Libya in the Finals on Saturday, and it’s a match-up that Morais looks forward to. “It’s going to be a battle, Solo Diabate is my good friend but it is gonna be a battle. I will try to not let him get the third one [title] and he will definitely try to stop me from getting my first one [title], but we are going to be ready to compete. I am sure it is going to be a good final.”

In the first semi-final of the day, Al Ahly Libya defeated The Rivers Hoopers 89-83, securing their spot in the finals. Al Ahly started the game strong offensively, finishing the first quarter with a 27-21 lead. By halftime, they had extended their advantage to 48-37, taking advantage of Rivers Hoopers’ turnovers and foul troubles.

Despite early struggles, the Rivers Hoopers displayed good ball movement and teamwork. However, three of their starters got into foul trouble, which impacted them down the stretch.

Al Ahly vs Rivers Hoopers in the BAL
Jeremy Golden directs traffic for Al Ahly Benghazi during the BAL semi-final against Rivers Hoopers.

Al Ahly Coach Ivan Jermic commented, “On paper, they are better than us, but statistics lie. Only their free-throw shooting was different. They shot 45% from the free throw line, and I think that is what determined the game.”

The third quarter saw a remarkable comeback from the Rivers Hoopers. Will Perry sparked the revival with back-to-back three-pointers, bringing his team within two points. The Rivers Hoopers continued their momentum into the fourth quarter, briefly taking an eight-point lead with six minutes remaining. However, Al Ahly fought back to tie the game and push it into overtime, ultimately securing their victory.

Coach Ogoh Odaudu says they consumed energy trying to close the score. “I think we spent a lot of energy trying to get back into the game. We dug ourselves out of a 14-point hole, but what’s done is done.” Despite the loss, Odaudu was pleased with his team’s efforts. “I am proud of our team. We hold our heads high. Nobody believed in us, but we are here. Unfortunately, our fairytale run has come to an end, but the third-place game still means a lot to us, and we are ready for it.”

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