Abeilles of the Central African Republic clinched their first Road to BAL win in a thrilling 75-71 comeback against Moanda Basket Club. Trailing most of the game, Abeilles fought back with resilience, tying the game 68-68 in the final minute.
Last Updated on
October 29, 2024
After a tough defeat the previous night against Kadji Sports Academy, the Abeilles of Central African Republic showcased true resilience, clinching their first victory in the Road to BAL campaign against Gabon’s Moanda Basket Club, 75-71. Despite trailing for most of the game, Abeilles’ unwavering determination culminated in a last-minute comeback that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Right from tip-off, Moanda Basket took control of the game, with the "Gorillas" as the side is nicknamed, displaying impressive composure and skill on both ends of the floor. Each possession was carefully managed, as Moanda made either a high-percentage 2-point or a 3-point shot, leaving Abeilles scrambling to close the gap. On defense, Moanda successfully limited Abeilles’ scoring opportunities, making every basket a challenge for the Central Africans.
Despite Moanda’s dominance, Abeilles battled back. Joel Ntambwe led the charge with his unstoppable offense, racking up a stellar 21 points and 11 rebounds. Star point guard Billy Kamayengue provided crucial support, contributing 19 points to keep Abeilles within striking distance. As the minutes ticked down, the Abeilles’ relentless efforts slowly paid off, inching closer to Moanda’s lead.
In a defining moment with less than a minute remaining, Kamayengue came through with a crucial basket to tie the game at 68-68. This critical play sent a wave of panic through the Moanda Gorillas, who started making uncharacteristic offensive errors under the mounting pressure. Sensing the shift, Abeilles capitalized on Moanda’s mistakes, seizing control in the game’s final seconds to pull ahead and secure a thrilling 75-71 win.
The game saw standout performances from both teams. For Moanda, Herman Boukosso was instrumental, posting 17 points and 6 rebounds. However, his efforts ultimately couldn’t overcome the late-game heroics of Ntambwe and Kamayengue, who were the driving forces behind Abeilles' gritty comeback.
With this victory, Abeilles gain critical momentum in their Road to BAL journey, proving they’re a team to watch. The resilience and determination they displayed against a formidable Moanda team suggest Abeilles have what it takes to compete fiercely in the campaign.
[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
