Game Report: In the opening match of the Nile Conference in the 2024 Basketball Africa League season, Al Ahly Ly secured a decisive victory over Bangui Sporting Club with a commanding scoreline of 91-71.
Last Updated on
April 21, 2024
Jonathan Oriant
Staff Writer
Ahly Ly and Bangui faced off late last year during their Road to BAL qualifiers. Central African-based club Bangui emerged victorious in their memorable clash, overcoming a twelve-point deficit. Led by Evans Ganapamo, the team staged an impressive comeback, ultimately securing an 87-85 win with a crucial shot from captain Max Kouguere. For the Nile Conference tip-off, these two teams reunited for another exciting matchup.
"We can no longer catch them off guard. Furthermore, I have a better understanding of their tactics now, and I will provide some insights to the coach." declared Solo Diabaté.
On the Bangui side, despite significant internal turmoil, there's been a new addition in the form of Cameroonian playcaller François Enyenengue, who previously coached FAP in the first season of the BAL.
The start of the match was quite surprising, with Bangui taking the lead via the talents of young prodigy and G League Ignite star Thierry Darlan, who collected five points early in the game, helping his team to a six-point lead, 23-29, at the end of the first quarter.
It wasn't until four minutes before the break in the second period that we saw the Libyan club come back and take the lead under Solo Diabate's leadership, with a three-point lead, 40-37.
The Libyan club didn't relent from then on, scoring consistently and leading at halftime, 54-42. With just two minutes left in the third quarter, Al Ahly continued to dominate, seemingly on course for a final victory as they led by 14 points, 72-58. Coach Ivan Jermic, visibly thrilled on the sidelines, now seemed poised to steer his team to victory with a confident grin, a testament to his strategic guidance.
Benalhaj and Zaw enter the game. With Deng (20 points) and Murphy (21 points), Al Ahly has little to worry about as they maintain a 13-point lead with four minutes left. The final score, 93-71.
"We started poorly by defending very badly, but what's most important is to win the first game," recalled Al Ahly coach Ivan Jermic.
As for Bangui coach François Enyenegue:
"We weren't very cohesive, and despite a good first quarter, our momentum dwindled. But this is just the beginning of the competition; we will make corrections and fight for qualification."
