Resilient Bravehearts grab ticket to Elite 16 round, edge Costa do Sol in thrilling game

Resilient Bravehearts grab ticket to Elite 16 round, edge Costa do Sol in thrilling game

Four teams entered the final day of the tournament with identical 2-2 records, each fighting tooth and nail for the last ticket to the Elite 16. Among these contenders, the Malawian club Bravehearts rose above the rest, despite being short-handed. Their narrow 73-71 victory over Costa do Sol was nothing short of a nail-biter, securing them the coveted spot to join the dominant Matero Magic in the next stage of the Road to BAL.

Bravehearts entered their final matchup against Costa do Sol knowing they had to overcome more than just the Mozambican club’s higher ranking. With a mere eight players on their roster, Bravehearts had their backs against the wall, yet they refused to let fatigue or lack of personnel dictate the game’s outcome. Costa do Sol, second on the log, boasted strong momentum and skill in their favor, while Bravehearts occupied the fifth spot. But from the opening whistle, Bravehearts approached the game with grit and resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling battle.

Costa do Sol took a 37-33 lead by halftime, capitalizing on their control over turnovers (11-2), points in the paint (12-8), and a decisive edge in bench points (14-7). Despite this early disadvantage, Bravehearts regrouped and rallied in the second half, playing with unbreakable resolve. The game’s turning point came in the third quarter when Bravehearts pushed the tempo, flipping the lead in their favor by the fifth minute. From then on, the Malawian squad led 56-48, making it clear they had no intention of backing down.

The Bravehearts’ victory was fueled by stellar performances from key players who stepped up when it mattered most. Harrison Banda, known among fans and teammates as “Mr. Dependable,” proved to be the game’s linchpin, delivering a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Banda’s tenacity on both ends of the court kept Bravehearts in the game, especially during crucial possessions. His relentless energy in the paint provided Bravehearts with second-chance points and allowed his team to stay competitive in rebounding.

Faad Billy, another vital cog in the Bravehearts machine, brought the offensive spark the team needed. Billy racked up 17 points, narrowly missing a double-double himself with nine rebounds, and contributed five assists. His agility and decision-making were pivotal, allowing Bravehearts to outpace Costa do Sol’s defense in key moments. Ian Limbe also made his presence felt, adding 15 points and four assists to Bravehearts’ final tally. Together, the trio of Banda, Billy, and Limbe came to the party with the poise and execution necessary to pull off an upset of this magnitude.

As the game drew closer to its nail-biting finish, Bravehearts maintained their edge, refusing to let Costa do Sol regain control. Their strategic execution under pressure allowed them to stay a step ahead until the final whistle. Bravehearts’ persistence and ability to adapt to the game’s demands proved instrumental in keeping Costa do Sol at bay, ultimately sealing their victory and place in the Elite 16.

While Matero Magic secured the top spot in Group E with a flawless 5-0 record, it was the Bravehearts’ resilience and tenacity that stole the show on the final day of competition. Matero may have dominated with deep rotations and towering leads, but Bravehearts showed the power of determination, chemistry, and strategic play. Their historic qualification, achieved with an undermanned roster, reflects a team that thrives under pressure and has the tools to overcome the odds. The Malawian squad heads into the next round having proven their mettle, and they’ll look to carry this momentum forward as they face fresh challenges in the Elite 16.

As the Road to BAL continues, Bravehearts’ journey is a testament to the heart and grit that define African basketball. Their qualification marks a milestone for the club and Malawian basketball as a whole, with fans and players alike eagerly awaiting what they’ll bring to the court in the Elite 16. In a tournament defined by talent and competition, Bravehearts’ resilience has set them apart, and they’ll aim to keep the spirit alive as they advance.

In other action on the final day, Zambian club Matero Magic put on a masterclass to complete their Group E run undefeated, crushing Botswana Defence Force with a staggering 111-42 win. Dominating from the tip-off, Matero jumped to a 52-26 lead by halftime, showcasing their depth and versatility. Saul Phiri led the scoring with 22 points, while Elijah Mukelabai added 15. Both sat out the second half yet retained their position as top scorers, highlighting Matero’s relentless offensive and defensive prowess. Their seamless transitions and team coordination allowed them to maintain control throughout, marking them as one of the top contenders heading into the Elite 16.

Meanwhile, Fox Basketball Club closed their campaign with an 89-60 win over host team Basket Hounds. Led by Stephen Garbrah’s 21 points, with strong contributions from Aluk Adub (17 points) and Makuei Puondak (14 points), Fox finished in third place. Though their journey ended here, Fox’s final victory illustrated their depth and commitment. While Matero heads confidently into the next round, Fox’s strong finish and the Hounds’ spirited play left fans with a memorable display of the skill and heart that defined this year’s Group E competition.

[Photo/Imagery Credit : FIBA, Matero Magic]