Al Ittihad Dominate Stade Malien to Become First Team to Qualify for BAL Playoffs from Kalahari.

Al Ittihad Dominate Stade Malien to Become First Team to Qualify for BAL Playoffs from Kalahari.

In a high-stakes showdown fueled by intensity and ambition, Al Ittihad emerged victorious over Stade Malien, securing their spot as the first team to qualify for the playoffs in South Africa. The clash was more than just another group-stage game—it was a battle of willpower, execution, and the burning desire to rise above the rest.

Both teams burst out of the gate with electrifying energy. Al Ittihad came in with one clear mission: clinch the win and punch their ticket to the playoffs. But Stade Malien, known for their gritty resilience, made it clear early on that they wouldn’t roll over. The opening quarter was a defensive chess match, with both teams locking in on stops and converting crucial baskets. From the jump, it looked like this would be a three-point contest—and Al Ittihad drew first blood, edging ahead 20-15.

The second quarter saw a shift in momentum led by Majok Deng, who returned from the break with a fire in his eyes. His leadership on offence sparked a run that Stade Malien struggled to contain. While both teams lived beyond the arc, Al Ittihad shot with purpose and poise. By halftime, they had pulled ahead 42-30, setting the tone for the second half.

Despite their effort, Stade Malien couldn’t match the offensive balance of their Egyptian opponents. After a slow start, George King erupted with 22 points and eight rebounds, becoming a force Stade Malien couldn’t contain. Yak Deng added 15 points and nine boards, cleaning up on both ends of the floor. Five Al Ittihad players scored in double digits, showcasing the depth and cohesion defining championship-calibre teams.

On the other side, Stade Malien’s offensive woes came to a head, particularly from beyond the arc. They shot just 13 per cent from three-point range (3-22), a statistic that ultimately sealed their fate. Despite standout performances from Mahamane Coulibaly (25 points) and Mouhamed Doumbya (12 points, six rebounds), it wasn’t enough to close the 91-68 gap. Al Ittihad’s performance was a message to the rest of the Kalahari Conference that they are not just here to compete but to conquer.

With this win, Al Ittihad becomes the first team to officially qualify for the playoffs in South Africa, a well-earned milestone in their impressive campaign. For Stade Malien, it’s back to the drawing board as the road ahead only gets tougher.

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[Photography Courtesy of The Basketball Africa League]