The Basketball Africa League Sahara Conference tips off with a compelling doubleheader, as Tunisia’s Club Africain takes on Senegal’s ASC Ville de Dakar, while hosts FUS Rabat go head-to-head with tournament newcomers JCA Kings of Côte d’Ivoire.
Club Africain vs ASC Ville de Dakar
This matchup presents a fascinating contrast between BAL experience and championship pedigree. ASC Ville de Dakar holds a clear edge in tournament familiarity, having already gone through the demands of the 2025 BAL conference phase. That experience matters in a competition where travel, physicality and late-game execution often decide outcomes. The Senegalese side qualified automatically after winning back-to-back Nationale 1 Masculin titles in 2024 and 2025.
Their roster also includes proven BAL contributors such as Solo Diabaté, a veteran point guard and two-time BAL champion, who won the title with Zamalek SC in the inaugural season (2021) and with Monastir the following year. He is joined by proven centre and returnee to AS Ville, Ater Majok, who won the 2022 championship with US Monastir and earned Defensive Player of the Year honours that same season.
Club Africain, on the other hand, arrive as BAL debutants but carry championship DNA within their core. Oussama Marnaoui won the BAL title, lifting the 2022 trophy with US Monastir, while veteran floor general Omar Abada adds elite-level experience as a 2021 All-BAL First Team selection and two-time AfroBasket champion, giving Club Africain an unusual blend of debutant status and proven winning pedigree.
Their 2025 domestic run in the Tunisian League, culminating in a 3–1 finals victory over US Monastir that secured their automatic qualification as national champions, further reinforces their ability to perform in high-pressure environments.
Statistically, ASC Ville de Dakar’s 2025 BAL campaign (2–4 record) highlighted inconsistency, particularly in closing out tight games, despite their notable upset over defending champions Petro de Luanda.
Club Africain, by contrast, arrive with momentum from sustained domestic dominance but faces the uncertainty of translating that success into continental competition for the first time.
FUS Rabat will host five other clubs in the Sahara Conference. Pictures: The BAL
The coaching duel adds another layer: Club Africain’s Antonio Pérez Cainzos brings European tactical structure and methodical half-court discipline. Ville de Dakar’s coach, Moustapha Gaye, offers decades of African basketball experience and a deep understanding of BAL-style physicality and game management.
The key question is whether Club Africain’s title-winning players can impose their winning mentality in a new environment, or whether ASC Ville de Dakar’s hard-earned BAL experience and tactical familiarity will prove decisive in the closing moments.
FUS Rabat vs JCA Kings
This fixture is arguably the most compelling narrative matchup of opening day. FUS Rabat have a clear edge in experience, having twice reached the quarterfinals.
FUS has built its squad on continuity and BAL experience, with players like Will Perry, a two-time BAL Sportsmanship Award winner and 2024 All-BAL First Team selection, directing play as the floor general, while Abdelhakim Zouita, the club captain and 2017 FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup MVP, anchors the frontcourt. Both bring a deep understanding of the pace and physical demands of the competition.
Statistically, their trajectory tells a mixed story – strong at their 2024 peak (4–2 conference run), followed by a 2025 drop-off to 2–6, suggesting a team still searching for sustained consistency at an elite level.
On the other side, JCA Kings arrive with momentum rather than history. Their 7–1 Road to BAL qualification campaign signals a team that is confident, cohesive, and comfortable winning under pressure, even without prior BAL exposure. What they lack in continental experience, they make up for in rhythm and belief.
Their roster also includes Ulrich Kra, who emerged as a clutch player, averaging 22 points and four steals against Spintex Knights in the decisive Road to BAL Elite 16 semi-final, burying the dagger three that sealed BAL qualification. Point guard Jonathan Cisse delivered the decisive five-point run in the final moments of that same game. Combo guard and another veteran of the BAL, Chris Crawford, a seasoned campaigner in several BAL competitions, brings the veteran stability a debuting team needs.
Club Africain’s Oussama Marnaoui brings a championship pedigree to the team.
The coaching contrast adds another layer. Stéphane Konaté is a rare figure in this competition, the first former BAL player to become a head coach in the league, having played for ABC Fighters and won the 2005 FIBA Africa Champions Cup and was the tournament MVP. That inside knowledge of African basketball’s highest level could prove decisive in game management, especially against a FUS bench that, while experienced, does not feature a coach with BAL playing pedigree.
FUS lean heavily on their home advantage at the 10,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, where crowd energy can be a major factor. But the Kings’ youthful fearlessness, combined with Chris Crawford’s experience and Lahat Thioune’s size inside, gives them the tools to disrupt that comfort.
Ultimately, the key question is whether FUS Rabat’s experience, shooting depth, and proven BAL history can steady them through the difficult moments or whether JCA Kings’ momentum, athleticism, and Konaté’s insider understanding of BAL dynamics will be enough to deliver a statement debut win.
WHEN great basketball careers become the top of the discussion in the African continent, the name Abdelhakim Zouita cannot be left out. The Moroccan is the embodiment of what it means to build a legacy of greatness throughout one’s playing career.
His career has spanned over 20 years, and he is still going strong. When asked about turning 40 this year, he stressed he was still far from the big four-zero. “Just 39,” laughed FUS Rabat captain Zouita. “For now, I am just 39.”
While the question factored the legend’s advancing age, it had a caveat. What made the legendary Moroccan hooper hungry and wanting more? “I want to win more titles. I want to achieve more success. To give young kids and other basketball players a good image of Moroccan basketball,” said Zouita.
There is no better ambassador of the game in Morocco and possibly Africa than Zouita, whose career has produced continental trophies for his country and former club AS Salé. On the domestic scene, he has won 10 Division Excellence and 12 Coupe de Trone titles. And he still craves more success. It’s a craving which, over the past couple of seasons, has found resonance within the FUS Rabat club.
Zouita says the desire to win is part of the club’s DNA, and that championship mentality has seen FUS win three Division Excellence titles in a row and qualify for the BAL from 2023.
“We have competitive players. Players who want to win. Players who want to take everything in Morocco. And win the biggest (club) title in Africa, the BAL. That’s it,” said Zouita.
Zouita Abdelhakim and FUS have been shaped by past experiences to be a better team at this year’s BAL. Pictures: Getty Images
Winning on the continent is something Zouita knows a thing or two about, having triumphed with Morocco at the 2023 AfroCan and nine years ago (2017) with his former club, AS Salé, he won the old FIBA Africa Champions Cup, and to cap off a memorable tournament, he got the MVP crown.
Zouita, who averaged 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists when Salé triumphed, could only express gratitude for helping his country and club reach the mountain top in African basketball.
“I am grateful. I have had a great career. I love basketball, and what I did for my country. I hope to give more and show basketball is big in Morocco,” said Zouita.
On winning the MVP trophy, Zouita says great team chemistry led to his individual success. “It was the group. We had about six, seven, or eight players who played together for about 10 years. That was the key,” intimated Zouita.
Back to the BAL. Morocco will host the Sahara Conference for the second time in the North African country’s capital, Rabat, and Zouita and FUS will look forward to facing Al Ahly, Club Africain, JCA Kings, AS Ville Dakar and Maktown Fliers.
Zouita believes the calibre of clubs coming to Rabat will make the conference tough. “I think this is the hardest conference. These are the biggest clubs in Africa. Clubs with good quality players,” said Zouita.
Abdelhakim Zouita won the 2017 FIBA Africa Club Championship. Picture: FIBA
Looking at the Rabat-based club’s BAL record, they navigated the conference stage quite well, but they have failed to progress beyond the last eight. Zouita says experience has been a teacher to him and his teammates, and the reinforcements added to the club have played in the BAL before, they canwhich will help make FUS a contender this year.
“We are more prepared. We have more experience because we have participated in this competition for two years. We have brought in two good players – Will Perry and Abdoulaye Harouna – they are a plus for our team,” said Zouita. “We will be good at this conference. This year we will be good.”
Zouita and FUS have always been competitors at this level, but they have to take it up a notch this year. While he still has a desire to win, he acknowledges that his window to win another continental title could be closing.
“I need to work more, I don’t want to end my career now. I want to play for a few more years. I want to have fun and enjoy the few years I have left on the court,” said Zouita. “I hope I can end my career with one more title. It will be hard. As I said, the conference in Morocco is the toughest… We will see. We will see.”
THE Basketball Africa League’s Kalahari Conference has hit the halfway point, and the contenders for playoff spots are beginning to emerge. In this breakdown, The Big Tip Off examines each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and prospects as they head into the final stretch of conference play.
Al Ittihad: Deep, Balanced, and Unbeaten
Current Form: 3–0
Strengths: Depth, balance, consistent bench production
Weaknesses: Can be turnover-prone in transition
Al Ittihad remains undefeated and sits at the top of the standings after decisively defeating Rivers Hoopers in the first round. The Egyptian powerhouse is not just participating in the competition; they are determined to win the title.
What makes them particularly dangerous is their rotating cast of contributors. Majok Deng has been a consistent force, averaging 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, players like Kyle Vinales and Ahmed Khalaf provide steady scoring and leadership.
Their bench averages 36.7 points per game, the highest in the conference, which allows them to maintain their tempo and intensity throughout all four quarters. Al Ittihad is methodical and versatile; they can adapt their style of play, whether it’s a grind-it-out game or a high-tempo matchup, depending on their opponent.
Outlook:
With a playoff spot within reach, Al Ittihad is a club built for the long haul. Their depth, discipline, and unpredictability make them a strong title contender in Season 5 of the BAL.
Rivers Hoopers have a strong starting five but questions have been asked about their bench. Pictures: The BAL
Rivers Hoopers: Adaptive and Talented, But Need More Contributions From Their Bench
Rivers Hoopers entered the Kalahari Conference with confidence and quickly established themselves as serious contenders. However, a recent loss to Al Ittihad revealed some weaknesses.
Kelvin Amayo, the driving force of this team, is averaging 18.7 points, six assists, and 2.7 steals per game. He also leads the conference in terms of usage rate and minutes played. Alongside him, Madut Akec stands out, averaging 19.7 points, eight rebounds, 4.3 assists, and two steals per game.
The addition of Raphiel Putney has enhanced their offence and improved rim protection. His length gives Hoopers an advantage on both ends of the court, allowing them to disrupt opponents’ rhythm and create space with his perimeter shooting.
The Hoopers are particularly effective at adjusting their strategy mid-game, making intelligent counters in response to their opponents. However, foul trouble has been a persistent issue, often limiting the availability of key players during crucial moments. Additionally, they struggle at the free-throw line, with a conversion rate of just 56.1%, and receive limited contributions from their bench, averaging only 13 points per game.
Outlook:
The Rivers Hoopers are battle-tested, but they must stay disciplined and deepen their bench production if they hope to secure a playoff spot outright—third place is not a safe place to be in this conference.
After a slow start, FUS Rabat got its campaign back on track.
FUS de Rabat: Back to Form, But Can They Sustain It?
Current Form: 1–2
Strengths: Offensive rhythm, ball movement, strong starting five
Weaknesses: Lack of consistency, closing games
FUS de Rabat finally found their rhythm with a dominant performance against Stade Malien, reminiscent of their best moments from Season 4. Ayoub Nouhi set the tone with high energy, which roused the entire squad. His resurgence brought back a sense of urgency and identity to the team.
FUS thrived on off-ball movement and floor spacing, successfully knocking down deep shots while creating lanes for finishes in the paint. It’s the version of FUS that impressed fans in the past, featuring multiple players scoring in double figures and a free-flowing offence that puts pressure on any defence. Nisre Zouzoua is a reliable scoring threat, averaging 18.3 points and 4.3 assists per game. However, FUS’s potential depends on consistency in execution and defensive focus.
Outlook:
FUS de Rabat’s win keeps their playoff hopes alive, but they’ll need another strong performance to avoid relying on a third-place finish. Establishing rhythm early and staying disciplined on defence can be key to pulling off an upset against the current favourites of the Kalahari Conference.
Cartier Diarra has helped to carry the load for Stade Malien.
Stade Malien: Winless but can still make a final push
Stade Malien remains winless, but their performances have shown promise. Their pick-and-roll offence is effective, and when they attack the paint, they can create quality scoring opportunities. However, their outside shooting has been inconsistent, and defensive lapses on the perimeter have hurt them in critical moments.
Mohamed Doumbya leads the team with an average of 14 points, seven rebounds, and 2.7 steals per game. Cartier Diarra contributes 13.7 points, while Mahamane Coulibaly adds 12.3 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. This trio has carried most of the scoring load – the game against FUS revealed more depth than previously shown.
The team’s shortcomings lie in the details – turnovers in crunch time and a lack of defensive awareness along the three-point line. These small mistakes have made the difference between winning and losing in the Kalahari Conference.
Outlook:
It’s not over yet. Stade Malien can still mathematically force their way into playoff contention, but they must play their best basketball now. Improved focus, fewer mistakes, and execution will be the keys to a turnaround.
THE days are ticking towards one of Africa’s premier sporting spectacles, Season 5 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). It is also a time when teams move swiftly to secure top-tier talent that can give them the best opportunity to win.
Moroccan club FUS Rabat is one of the teams that have shored up their roster with the signings of the Cote d’Ivoire duo of Nisre Zouzoua and Mike Fofana.
Speaking to The Big Tip Off, Ivorien star Zouzoua says he is finding his feet in his new surroundings of Rabat, the newly minted host city of the Kalahari Conference (5-13 April).
Nisre Zouzoua has adapted to life on the court with FUS Rabat. Pictures: FUS Rabat and FIBA
The experienced Zouzoua also noted that the reception to the first leg of the BAL is lukewarm as Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country, observes the holy month of Ramadan (28 February – 30 March).
“I am thoroughly enjoying my time in Rabat. It’s a beautiful city, and the people are friendly. It has not been too difficult of a transition, so I am thankful and happy to be here,” said the 28-year-old.
The former ABC Fighters player is positive the people from the Atlas nation will get into the BAL vibe. “It’s currently Ramadan, so people here are focusing on the spiritual aspect and prayer… But listening to talk on the ground, people are excited, and we are excited that the BAL is coming to Morocco,” said Zouzoua. “It’s going to be a great experience. It will be a great way for the people of Rabat and Morocco to show what their city and country is about. It’s going to be an exciting time!”
While the excitement still bubbles under in Morocco and especially Rabat, Zouzoua is confident that FUS has the making of a championship team and nothing less than the BAL trophy will do.
“We are playing to win. We are playing for a championship. If you are not playing for that, what’s the point of being on the court?” asked Zouzoua. “We are trying to make it as far as we can. That is our goal and it is my personal goal too. I try to win every time I step on the court.”
Zouzoua, who signed with FUS for the remainder of the season with 19-time Division Excellence Champions, hit the ground running and stepped up with a 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists performance in a 97-81 victory over IRT Tanger in a league match last Thursday.
While acclimating to his new life in Morocco ahead of the Kalahari Conference, Zouzoua has felt at home on the basketball court and has liked what he has seen of his new club and teammates so far.
“I have played in two games, and we won both. They were great team wins. Everybody plays together and we have fun out there. It’s not been long, but my time here has been great,” said Zouzoua.
Playing alongside Ivorian national team member Fofana at FUS is a big plus, says Zouzoua. The shooting guard feels arriving at the same time as Fofana, a former AS Douanes player, has helped with shared camaraderie.
“It’s definitely helped with our transition to Morocco. Mike is a great player. He is a great guy. He works hard. We hold each other accountable and push each other in practice,” said Zouzoua. “He is somebody I can trust. We have spent time with each other and are familiar with one another’s games.”
Nisre Zouzoua feels Cote d’Ivoire can make a run the AfroBasket title this year.
Wearing their Ivorien jerseys, Zouzoua and Fofana could link up again later in the year with the national team. The rampant Elephants finished unbeaten during the AfroBasket qualifiers that ended last month and will compete in their 24th tournament. After losing to Tunisia in the 2021 AfroBasket final, Zouzoua feels this year’s tournament, in Angola (12-24 August), can be theirs for the taking.
“I have full faith we can go all the way. We have the team for it (AfroBasket) and coaches to get the job done,” said ZouZoua. “We have been there before and I feel we have a lot to prove. I feel if we can prepare well mentally and physically we can make strong push for the championship,” concluded Zouzoua.
Being in a potential winning situation for club and country is a dream for any player. That is where Zouzoua finds himself. Given his ambition, he will be keen to make the most of his opportunities with FUS and Cote d’Ivoire.
(KIGALI) – Last night’s BAL quarter-final match-ups at the BK Arena were reminiscent of the conference games, as familiar foes went head-to-head for a spot in the semi-finals.
Al Ahly Benghazi upset defending champions Al Ahly (Egypt) 86-77, while in the second semi-final, the Cape Town Tigers won a nail-biter (91-88) against FUS de Rabat, where a Samkelo Cele buzzer-beater sent the game into overtime.
Tigers Rally together to defeat number 1 seed, FUS de Rabat
The Cape Town Tigers had perhaps their best start to a game this season. The South African team rectified the mistakes that cost them in their two losses against FUS in the Kalahari Conference. From the jump ball, the Tigers contained FUS’ three-point shooting and limited them to only 3/8 at half-time.
Despite FUS’ bench contributing 33 points, the Tigers had an answer for every strategy thrown at them, a sign they had finally found their defensive identity. The South African side forced FUS into committing unnecessary turnovers leading to 22 points from their defensive effort.
Nkosinathi Sibanyoni holds the BAL’s in-game rebounding record after posting 25 rebounds against FUS Rabat in the semi-final on Sunday. Pictures: The BAL
Defensive anchor Nkosinathi Sibanyoni was phenomenal and notched the BAL All-time single-game rebounding record with 25 rebounds. Sibanyoni grabbed 14 offensive rebounds, affording his team much-needed second-chance scoring opportunities. His impact was also felt on offence as he scored 16 points.
Tigers coach Florsheim Ngwenya gave an update on Dhieu Deing, who went down after a collision in the fourth quarter. He said Deing that he had popped his shoulder but that the guard would be okay.
About what led to the historic performance, Ngwenya said: “In our locker room, we have a quote that we put up on the board which says, ‘There are three kinds of people, the kind who make things happen, the kind who watch things happen and the kind who wonder what happened’. We didn’t want to be the third kind of person.”
Samkelo Cele, who finished the game with 30 points, reflected on the responsibility which comes with the big moments. “I love playing basketball and I love those moments. My team trusts me and so this pressure is a privilege. It gives me the joy to represent my country at the highest level, I cannot describe it. I just want to make South African basketball worth talking about, so I am happy to be here. But the job is not done,” said Cele.
FUS coach Said El Bouzidi felt his team did not take their opposition seriously. “The lesson is that there is no easy game at this level of the competition. We were not focused and our opponents killed us, the statistics say it all.”
Al Ahly Egypt (ASC) and Al Ahly Libya’s (AAL) third encounter this season was nothing short of what we expected. The style of play by both teams in the first quarter characterized their strengths. For Al Ahly (Egypt), it was their three-point shooting, while Benghazi relied on their inside game. However, the Cairo-based club’s inability to adapt until late in the second led to them going only 3/12 from deep to close out the half.
Benghazi’s Robert Golden, who dropped 23 points and dished out nine dimes, was the x-factor for the Libyans. The American point guard was unstoppable from behind the arc, going 5/9. Golden also did a great job at spreading the floor and got some good looks down low for Jo Acuil, who finished with a double-double (23 points and 11 rebounds) and Majok Deng, who finished with 25 points and nine rebounds.
Benghazi’s coach, Ivan Jermic reflected on his team’s strong performance. “Beatin Al Ahly is not easy, they are one of the best African teams – like Real Madrid. I am glad that we showed our personality through our good defence, but I am more happy because many people didn’t believe in our team,” said Jeremic.
Dhieu Deing sustained a shoulder injury in the semi-final against FUS Rabat.
The Serbian coach says the third quarter was their turning point. “Usually a quarter-final is the most difficult game because if you lose, you go home. The most important part of the game is the first six minutes of the third quarter and we went 10-0 in that period and I believe that we broke them in that period,” said Jeremic.
Two-time BAL-winning coach Julbe Bosch felt that their success in Cairo could have negatively impacted their performance.
“We looked much better as a team in Cairo. I take responsibility for tonight, maybe we had a disconnect in the chemistry. That (chemistry) is what you need when you get to this stage of the competition,” said Bosch. “We started the game without a sense of urgency and we didn’t play like a semi-final was on the line. I’m disappointed. I also want apologise to our fans, the management and everyone who did all that they could to prepare us for this.”
The Tigers will face the winner of today’s (Monday) quarter-final game between Petro de Luanda and AS Douanes. Later tonight, Al Ahly Ly will take on the winner of the US Monastir and Rivers Hoopers game.
AYOUB Nouhi did not need to look far for inspiration when he decided basketball would be his first love. The inspiration was in front of him in the form of his father – a former professional player.
Nouhi, like his father Hassan, has gone on to carve out a career of his own. He’s played on the 3X3 circuit, college basketball in the United States, and joined a professional team in his country of birth, Belgium.
The 25-year-old, now playing for FUS Rabat, current champion of the elite Division Excellence in Morocco, says he grew up watching his father, who was also his “first coach”.
“I started playing basketball because of my dad. He was a professional basketball player. I remember going to watch his games when I was as young as five years old. He is a big inspiration and a source of motivation. He was my first coach. My dad is the main reason I play basketball,” said Nouhi.
While Nouhi’s father laid the foundation, the 2017 U18 3X3 World Cup tournament in China set Ayoub up for an opportunity of a lifetime.
Ayoub Nouhi was a factor in FUS Rabat’s successful qualification for the BAL. Pictures: The BTO
Nouhi led Belgium to victory in the competition and finished as tournament MVP. There was one more surprise! The tournament in China would be the gateway for then-17-year-old Nouhi to achieve his dream of playing college basketball in the United States.
“One of the coaches was watching, and he really liked my game. He asked me to come to the college (University of Texas at Arlington) for a visit. During that visit, I practiced with the team and got a feel for the environment,” said Nouhi. “The visit was great. They loved me and loved my game. It was awesome being there.”
Nouhi, who spent two years at Arlington, says the moment he received the news of a scholarship offer almost brought him to tears.
“Man! I remember it vividly. I was so, so happy. It had been my dream since I was a kid. I have always wanted to play college basketball. I almost cried when they told me they offered me a scholarship. It was a big accomplishment for me and it was the beginning of yet another chapter of my basketball story,” said Nouhi.
He described the exposure to basketball in the United States as “tough” and “intense”.
“At first, it was hard because the intensity of the practices and the workouts in America are things I had not prepared for. You wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready for conditioning practice. You have your breakfast and then class. After that, there is individual workout and class again, followed by team practice,” said Nouhi. “It’s intense, but I think it makes everybody mentally tough. That experience groomed both as a player and person.”
When COVID-19 hit, Nouhi decided to cut his college career short because of the uncertainty of the NCAA season. He joined his first professional team (Circus Brussels) in Belgium before heading to Morocco.
“I signed my first professional contract during the first year of COVID because we did not know if the college season would continue. It was a tough transition (joining the pros) because although I was used to a European style of play, I had adapted to the American way. Then I had to re-adjust to Europe play again,” said Nouhi. “It was definitely a good experience getting the opportunity to play against grown men in the game. It was a little physical, and I had to play smarter.
“In my second season with Brussels, I got a back injury, so I missed most of the season. After that, I felt I needed a change, and that’s when I had the opportunity to sign with AS Sale (in Morocco) last year. At the time, they were also competing in the Road To BAL. Unfortunately, we did not make it, but it was a great experience. I loved it. So, I decided to stay a little longer in Morocco.”
Nouhi, who is now wearing the colours of FUS Rabat, has not let the second chance to make it to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) go to waste. He says the journey to the continental tournament was difficult.
“The first thing that comes to mind is that the Road To BAL is getting tougher each year. When I looked at it three years ago, the level was not that high, including that of the imports. I think we did not make it (with Sale) because we thought it would be easy,” said Nouhi, who put solid numbers in last year’s Road To BAL (11 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game). “Last year’s qualifiers had players like Solo Diabate, Ater Majok and Zach Lofton, something which had not happened before. Thankfully, we (FUS) recruited well, and with players like Aliou (Diarra) and Jonathan (Jordan), it led to our success and we qualified for the BAL.”
Ayoub Nouhi believes FUS Rabat has right attitude to win the BAL.
Nouhi and FUS have had an impressive BAL debut and finished top of the Kalahari Conference in South Africa with a 3-1 record. They also made a strong statement with a win over Petro de Luanda on opening day in March. While the Moroccan club surprised many, Nouhi says their outstanding results boiled to their preparation.
“Honestly, we were happy, but we were not surprised. We worked hard for that moment (to beat Petro). Our win was seen as an upset by many because of Petro’s popularity but we were locked in and ready,” said Nouhi.
FUS have remained locked in during the playoffs in Kigali and caused yet another upset by humbling reigning champions Al Ahly (Egypt) on Friday. Speaking ahead of that game (against Al Ahly), Nouhi said they dotted their i’s and crossed the t’s for the seeding clash.
“Ahly won it last year. They need no introduction. But anything can happen in the BAL. We have a good chance because of our preparation. We have scouted them, so all that’s left is to go out there fight,” said Nouhi.
From an outsider’s perspective, FUS look like a serious contender for the BAL title, but do they believe they can bring a continental club trophy to Morocco since AS Sale did it in 2017?
“We have the same coach who won it that year (Said el Bouzidi). We have four or five players from that team. So we are a team with experience and a winning mentality. Everybody here wants to win,” concluded Nouhi.
KIGALI – The highly anticipated BAL (Basketball Africa League) playoffs officially tip off later today (Friday) at BK Arena. The Big Tip Off reflects on the conference play and previews the eight teams ahead of the seeding games.
Cape Town Tigers
The Tigers had a rocky start to their home debut during the Kalahari Conference, managing a single win against Petro de Luanda in their penultimate game of conference play. In that game (against Petro), the South African champions showed sparks of their potential. The Tigers also shared the ball better and reduced turnovers.
Several players demonstrated they could shoot the ball well and draw contact to put their opponents in the penalty. The Tigers sometimes seemed too reliant on “iso” plays despite it being ineffective in certain stretches of play. They also struggled to defend at the three-point line, and their average of 37.2 total rebounds per game compared to their opponents’ 45.0 total rebounds per game led to them giving up second-chance opportunities to their opponents in the paint.
Samkelo Cele is a vital contributor to the Tigers, and a solid team player when needed to fulfil certain roles. As the leading scorer for the team, Cele showcased his ability with an average of 20.5 points per game. Additionally, he led the team with 2.3 steals per game.
Samkelo Cele has been the fulcrum for the Tigers in offence and defence. Pictures: FIBA Africa
The Tigers are one of the six teams who have made roster changes ahead of the BAL playoffs. The likes of Billy Preston, co-captain Lebesa Selepe and rookie Storm Gilchrist are no longer with the team. However, the additions of former Dynamo BBC guard Dheiu Deing, former Stade Malien forward Brian Bridgeforth and centre Mouhamadou Ndoye could stabilise the South African team.
AS Douanes
The Senegal club had a mixed performance throughout the Sahara Conference. A loss of concentration down the stretch in games proved costly as they suffered three losses. However, their three wins, including a buzzer-beater by Mike Fofana with three seconds left in the game against Rivers Hoopers, showcased that the Senegalese champions can compete and win against the best of them.
AS Douanes struggled shooting the ball, averaging 33% from the field and 23.7% from beyond the arc. However, they averaged 16.8 offensive rebounds, giving them second-chance opportunities to put numbers on the scoreboard.
Abdoulaye Harouna was AS Douanes’ key player. Harouna struggled to find his footing in the first game, scoring only eight points, but bounced back with a 35-point performance against US Monastir in their second game. In the end, Harouna led the team with 17.6 points per game. His ability to disrupt the opponent’s defence led to an average of 3.6 steals per game, fuelling some much-needed transition offence in stretches when AS Douanes struggled to convert.
AS Douanes maintained their roster ahead of the BAL playoffs – they have the momentum from the Sahara Conference, but can it lead to an appearance in the final?
Al Ahly Egypt
Al Ahly finished at the top of the Nile Conference once again. But the reigning BAL champs, who have exhibited a composed demeanour found themselves a little shaken on a few occasions, including their upset loss to Uganda’s City Oilers.
To their credit, Al Ahly’s depth and versatility across all positions allowed them to aggressively attack their opponents, giving them comfortable leads in games. The Egyptian giants excelled in rebounding, averaging 43.8 total rebounds per game, indicating strong performance on both ends of the court.
Can Ehab Amin lead Egyptian giants Al Ahly to a second BAL title?
The Egyptian Champions’ defence proved effective as they managed to hold their opponents to an average of 78.3 points per game and forced turnovers at a rate of 13.3 per game.
Ehab Amin led the charge for Al Ahly with 13.5 points per game. It may seem like a low number, but it showcased Al Ahly’s depth in offence. Against Bangui Sporting Club, Amin delivered a clutch three-pointer in the final minutes to seal Al Ahly’s 85-79 win. The guard led the team in rebounding.
The reigning champions have replaced Marwan Sahran and Ahmed Moheib with Omar Azab and Seifeldin Saied.
Petro de Luanda
The Angolans had a disappointing Kalahari Conference campaign despite clinching one of the automatic qualifications for Kigali. Petro, usually strong during the regular season, suffered two losses in regular season play.
Historically, Petro is a team that excels at moving the ball well and creating opportunities to showcase their ability to shoot from beyond the arc and stretch the floor. However, this season, they struggled and could not adjust as expected. Despite their offensive struggles, Petro maintained a competitive defensive presence by limiting their opponents’ shooting percentages and rebounding numbers. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities and force turnovers contributes to their defensive effectiveness.
Childe Dundao was the standout player for the Angolan side, and his 25-point performance was crucial in their must-win game in the second round against FUS Rabat. The guard averaged 13.5 points per game, 3.5 assists per game, and shot 37% from the three-point line. Dundao, part of last season’s BAL All-Defensive Team, was able to disrupt the opponents’ offence and use his speed to push the ball and create transition scoring opportunities for Petro.
The Angolan champions have possibly made the biggest adjustment to their team, replacing coach Jose Neto with Sergio Moreno. Anthony Nelson and Edmir Lucas were replaced by guard Nicholas Faust and forward Clesio Castro. Castro will help to provide a strong interior presence, while Faust will be an additional scoring option.
The Moroccan club were the Kalahari Conference’s most exciting team. FUS showcased their versatility as each player stepped on the floor.
FUS was able to maximise scoring opportunities through their shot selection as well as offensive execution. This is reflected in their 46.4% field goal percentage. The Moroccan champions’ strong rebounding presence at both ends of the floor limited opponents’ second-chance opportunities.
Johnathan Jordan was a factor in FUS’ success. The guard averaged the most minutes played for the team, averaging two personal fouls per game. A good facilitator, Jordan averaged 4.5 assists per game, and his ability to convert, as he led the team’s scoring with an average of 16.3 points.
FUS have made no changes to their team as they will head into the BAL playoffs as they look to continue their dominance.
Al Ahly Libya
Al Ahly Benghazi’s debut in the Nile Conference saw them display individual brilliance and collective effort. Their balanced scoring, efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and disciplined play were hallmarks of their campaign. With solid contributions from their starters and bench, Al Ahly Benghazi showed that they are a well-rounded and resilient team capable of competing at a high level.
Throughout the regular season, Al Ahly Benghazi demonstrated a balanced scoring approach with five players averaging in double digits. This balanced attack made them less predictable and more challenging for opponents to defend. The team’s dominance in rebounding at the offence end provided crucial second-chance opportunities, allowing them to remain a threat in the paint. Al Ahly Benghazi also excelled in maintaining possession, resulting in minimized turnovers.
Jo Acuil was the standout player not only for Al Ahly, but he also gave a standout performance in the final regular season game against the City Oilers. In that game, Acuil set the BAL record for the most points scored (42). Throughout the Nile Conference, Acuil maintained a consistently high level of play, averaging a double-double. His regular season averages were 23 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is a dual threat as both a prolific scorer and a formidable rebounder, making him an asset for the Libyan club. Acuil is a defensive pillar with great shot-blocking ability, rim protection and can alter shots.
The Libyan champions let go of their primary point guard, Pierre Jackson and Anees Almansouri and brought in Omar Aldirfeeli and Robert Wilson Golden. The loss of Jackson, who was a key contributor in his scoring, pushing the ball up the floor, could prove detrimental to them in the BAL playoffs.
Rivers Hoopers
Rivers Hoopers had a strong debut in the Sahara conference, remaining undefeated in the first round of the competition. But they would suffer two defeats later. The first was a buzzer-beater in a game against AS Douanes and the other because of visible fatigue in the final fixture against US Monastir. The last game saw star point guard Will Perry get a DNP.
At a glance, there is not much difference between the Hoopers’ and their opponents statistically. But it came down to their team chemistry, a component which many other teams have struggled to find so far this season. The Hoopers demonstrated their cohesive team dynamic. They have a balanced distribution of responsibilities and scoring support from Will Perry, Devine Eke, Kelvin Amayo, and Peter Olisemeka, who were able to step up for the team on any given night.
Perry emerged as the primary scorer and facilitator for the team, averaging 18.6 points per game and 5.4 assists. His efficiency in shooting the ball from beyond the arc made him a threat to the opponents but also allowed the Hoopers to spread the floor and make big shots while also getting some good looks for his teammates.
The Nigerian side let go of Michael Daramola and brought Victor Damiola Mohammed. Mohammed is no stranger to the tournament following his time with the Kwara Falcons last season. He will surely look to help the Hoopers as they try to make a deep run into the BAL playoffs.
Chris Crawford has led the revival of US Monastir during the Sahara Conference.
US Monastir
The Tunisian club emerged as a phoenix from the ashes to secure their spot in the BAL playoffs. After losing their first three games of the Sahara Conference, Monastir came out swinging in the second round. The Blue Empire won three straight to secure the last third-best place ticket.
While the team struggled in the first round, going 0-3, they showed resilience. Monastir managed to find their identity and corrected their mistakes. The impact of Firas Lahyani on the defensive glass and his steals allowed them to limit the opposition’s offensive opportunities and create opportunities for them to take advantage of their offensive arsenal and convert offensively.
Chris Crawford was the Tunisian side’s offensive catalyst, leading the team with 19.2 points per game. Crawford showcased his versatility in his consistent production on the offensive end, creating opportunities for his teammates. He averaged 8.5 assists per game – the record for the regular season.
Monastir made one change to their roster – the addition of guard Avry Marshall Holmes, who brings experience from South America. He will provide an additional scoring option to the Tunisian side. Holmes replaces Amrou Bouallague.
FOR many basketball players, the moment that sparked their love for the game might have been a highlight reel dunk or a game-winning shot. Some may reference legendary players like the late Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, or Stephen Curry as their inspiration to play the game.
However, for 22-year-old Aliou Diarra, the beginning of his basketball journey was a little different.
Growing up, Diarra and his childhood friends often visited a large fruit tree in their neighbourhood, where they picked fruit and played games. He was the tallest of the group and could easily reach the fruit, but it wasn’t until a stranger suggested that he try basketball. The chance meeting would later help in evoking his passion for the sport.
Diarra is a long way from picking fruit in his neighbourhood. He is now a grown man who has taken the BAL by storm. The 22-year-old averaged 15 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks during the recent Kalahari Conference with Morocco’s FUS da Rabat. He has recorded nine double-doubles since his debut in the tournament last year.
Aliou Diarra has taken the BAL by storm since his debut last season. Pictures: BAL and FIBA
In an interview with The Big Tip Off, Diarra spoke about his time with Stade Malien, the language barriers he has faced, the NBA Summer League and his time with Moroccan club FUS Rabat.
Stade Malien scouted Diarra while playing in the city of Kayes in the western part of Mali. From there, Diarra would go on to have an electrifying 2023 Road To BAL debut with Stade Malien, finishing with a double-double (11.8 points per game and 11.5 rebounds per game). Despite putting up solid numbers for his former club, Diarra had not fully grasped the power that basketball could have in changing his life.
“I did not basketball that seriously until last year in Dakar during the Sahara Conference (last year),” says Diarra. “Once I started putting in an effort, I realized that the sport could be good for me and so I decided to take it more seriously because maybe it could change my life.”
The Cinderella-type performance during their BAL Season 3 led the Malian club to a podium finish after defeating Petro de Luanda in the third-place game behind Diarra’s 25 points and 12 rebounds.
Along with the historic finish of Stade Malien, Diarra was also crowned BAL Defensive Player of the Year and got All BAL First Team and BAL All-Defensive Team honours last year. Diarra had the opportunity to travel to the US for the NBA Summer League with the Milwaukee Bucks, an experience that widened his horizons to what the sport could do for him.
“I learned a lot playing with the Bucks, I had some workouts with professional coaches who saw and believed in my potential. I am trying to implement what I learned in the US with FUS,” says Diarra. “The coaches at the Summer League told me that my future is bright and I trust them. I also trust myself and I am working hard to make that future a reality.”
The experience in the Summer League helped break down the language barrier that Diarra, who speaks fluent Bambara and a little bit of French.
“Last year the language barrier was an obstacle, but going to the USA helped me. I learnt a little bit of English and that gave me the confidence when I joined FUS,” said Diarra.
Moving to a different country often comes with challenges, such as adapting to new cultures, societal norms and language barriers. However, Diarra’s time with FUS molded him into a different and much better player than he was in his BAL debut season.
“When I was playing with Stade Malien, I used to do things my way and play the way I wanted. That did not always align with the coach’s and the team’s needs. However, since I started playing with FUS, things have changed significantly,” says Diarra. “I have become more disciplined, taking a more professional approach because I understand that this sport could change my life, and I need to take things more seriously than I did in Bamako.”
FUS concluded the first round of Season 4 by finishing at the top of the Kalahari Conference with a 3-1 record. According to Diarra, the team’s success can be attributed to their cohesion and chemistry. This is something they built over the past six months.
“Since September, we have been training together and playing in the domestic league together. There was never a question about the so-called ‘import’ players because we know each other so well. We know each other’s habits and that makes us a strong team,” says Diarra. “As for myself, I fit well into the team thanks to the experienced players who have helped me learn and grow as a basketball player, but more importantly as a man too.”
Aliou Diarra, playing in the 2023 Road To BAL, was scouted by Malian club Stade Malien.
To finish top of the Kalahari Conference was the first goal for FUS, now the focus will be on the domestic league until the start of the BAL playoffs in Kigali (May 24 – June 1).
“Qualifying for the playoffs is a very big accomplishment, but this is just the first step for us. We gave our best to come out as the leader of this Conference. Now we look forward. We would like to make it far into the playoffs.”
Two months remain between FUS and their second objective of progressing through the playoffs. As for Diarra, he’ll be refining his skills and hoping they will take FUS to the promised land.
FLORSHEIM Ngwenya gave an honest and brutal assessment of things at the Cape Town Tigers following a third straight loss in their Basketball Africa League Kalahari Conference campaign.
The Tigers found themselves wanting in the game against the Moroccan club, FUS Rabat and succumbed to an 84-58 loss.
Cracks showing in the Tigers Camp
As things stand for the Tigers, their chances of making the playoffs in Kigali hang in the balance. Ngwenya apologized to the South African fans for their underwhelming performance so far.
“First of all, I’d like to apologize to the fans and South Africa in general who have paid their money to come watch us play. I think we didn’t do justice to all of those people,” said Ngwenya during a post match conference.
Billy Preston’s talent is undeniable, but his attitude has often been criticised. Pictures: The BTO
The Tigers did not look like a cohesive unit and struggled to find open shots, play defence, and pass the ball effectively. Ngwenya believes that Rabat was the better team on the night.
Coach Ngwenya criticized his team for a lack of effort, stating that it was also out of their control, hinting at their inadequate preparation leading up to the Kalahari Conference.
“It was not an ideal situation. We only had two weeks of preparation compared to guys who have had six to seven months of preparation. As the saying goes ‘Ball don’t lie’ and it showed,” said Ngwenya.
Tigers had eleven assists as opposed to FUS, who had twenty-six assists. The team also accumulated twenty turnovers to add to their woes.
The cracks in the team dynamic started to show when Billy Preston Jr had a back-and-forth in the first half with team owner Raphael Edwards. The talented, but individualistic Preston seemed to have ignored team instructions, which led to his substitution. He would eventually sit out for the rest of the game.
Preston is not new to the team, having played in the second season of the BAL with the Tigers in 2022.
His return to the Tigers was meant to provide them with some much-needed firepower for the BAL, but this seems short-lived. Also, if Ngwenya’s words are anything to go by, Preston could be out of the team.
“Once you check out on us, we find somebody to replace you. I don’t care who you are, but you can’t check out on your team right in the middle of a war,” added Coach Ngwenya.
The Tigers coach lamented the constant roster changes, which over time have affected the team’s preparations for the BAL.
“These things are not up to me. I’m just a basketball coach. I’m here to put X’s and O’s. I have no control over what happens in the boardroom,” added Coach Ngwenya.
Speaking about their approach to the game with the Tigers, FUS head coach, Said El Bouzidi said the win came because of their unity and work in the paint.
“We tried to shoot like the team from Angola (Petro de Luanda), but we are not as good a shooting team as them. When we started to play like a unit and work in the paint, we were successful. The stats showed how efficient we were in the paint,” said coach El Bouzidi. The Moroccans dominated and scored 68 points in the paint. Aliou Diarra led the scoring for FUS with 21 points and was 10/11 in field goals.
Verdict
While FUS are looking good for a run at the playoffs, the Tigers are in need of deep soul-searching.
MONDAY marked the beginning of Ramadan (10 March – 9 April) for followers of the Islamic faith, and FUS Rabat player Soufiane Benmhine is no different.
Benmhine has played during the holy month in his home country Morocco, but he says the Basketball Africa League (BAL) could be different.
It’s because the league, which tipped off in South Africa last Saturday with the Kalahari Conference, has intense back-to-back matches. During the off day on Monday, Benmhine says he and his FUS teammates do not know what to expect when play resumes on Tuesday.
“It’s a tough period because we are in competition, but the medical staff is doing a great job by making sure we don’t use too much energy during games,” said Benmhine. “This is the first day (Monday) of Ramadan… Fortunately, there were no games today. We only practised. But tomorrow (Tuesday), we will know how it feels.”
FUS Rabat coach Ali Bouzidi and Soufiane Benmhine will hope for a third win when they take on the Cape Town Tigers. Pictures: The BTO
The shooting guard reflected on his process: “It’s not the first time I am playing during Ramadan. I am used to it. The first two to three days are tough because your body is adjusting. What is difficult is playing in such a competition because it’s a high level,” said the 31-year-old.
Tuesday night sees the undefeated Rabat take on the winless Cape Town Tigers, who have a 0-2 record.
Benhmine says they will approach the game against the Tigers with the same humility they did in their opening victory against Angola’s Petro de Luanda.
“As the coach said in the last press conference (after the game against Petro), ‘There is no easy game’. Our approach is to be confident, but that’s not enough, there is a job to be done,” said the Moroccan international, who scored 12 points against Petro in his and Rabat’s BAL debut. “We played against Petro and got the win. We also saw Cape Town play against Petro last night (Sunday), and it was not an easy game.
“They have a lot of talented players. So we are serious. We are preparing well for every game.”
Being well-prepared for elite competition is always the expectation of Morocco’s most successful team. Benhmine, a long-serving player at the club, is proud to be a part of the 18-time Division Execellance champions and helping to contribute to its history.
“I have played for FUS for a long time. I began this journey with them six years ago. Finally, we have achieved one of our objectives. I am proud to be part of the FUS family,” said Benhmine. “The team’s management has done a great job and they continue to improve our conditions. Hopefully, we will continue to win championships.”
A win over the Tigers will put FUS in a position to reach the playoffs, and a good seeding could put them in a position to be a title contender.
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