In the Road to BAL 2025 Elite 16 Semi-Finals, Stade Malien battles Kadji Sport Academy, and Al Ahli Tripoli faces ABC Fighters. With a Basketball Africa League spot at stake, expect intense matchups and tactical showdowns.
Last Updated on
November 10, 2024
With a spot in the 2025 Basketball Africa League only one step away, the four teams gearing up for the Semi-Finals showdown promise a blend of skill, grit and strategy. The games will feature Stade Malien squaring off against Kadji Sport Academy (KSA) and Al Ahli Tripoli facing the ABC Fighters. As each team brings their strengths and records to the court, talent and adaptability to pressure will be the key words in these games.
AfricaBasket brings you an in-depth analysis of each game.
Stade Malien, the Mali-based powerhouse, come into the semi-finals with an impressive record. A four-game winning streak has bolstered their confidence, and with forward Ibrahim Djambo averaging 15.7 points per game, they have shown they can rely on individual star power and cohesive team play. Djambo’s consistency provides a stable scoring foundation, which may be the edge they need against a high-energy team like KSA.
Kadji Sport Academy from Cameroon, on the other hand, have showcased a bench-oriented strategy that often catches opponents off-guard. They don't rely on a single scoring star, instead, they capitalize on the versatility of players like Senegalese forward Makhtar Gueye, whose presence has been felt on both ends of the court. Although KSA’s shooting percentage from behind the arc is slightly better than that of Stade Malien (30% to 26%), they will need to improve in creating and finishing high-percentage shots in the paint, where Stade Malien excel.
This matchup will hinge on whether KSA can disrupt Djambo’s rhythm and neutralize Malien’s scoring depth. If KSA’s bench steps up, they could push Stade Malien to play out of their comfort zone, forcing the Malian side to rely on less familiar strategies.
In the other semi-final, Al Ahli Tripoli enters with a perfect record, marked by an eye-catching 49% field goal percentage and an average of 96 points per game. They’ve leveraged an efficient, high-powered offense led by Angok Yak Deng, who combines scoring (21 points per game) and rebounding (10 boards per game) to keep their momentum alive. Deng's contributions are reinforced by a balanced offensive system, enabling Tripoli to stretch defenses thin and capitalize on gaps.
Yet, Tripoli faces a potential obstacle in the ABC Fighters from Côte d'Ivoire, who bring an aggressive approach to rebounding and defense. Known for their 50+ rebounds per game, ABC excels in creating second-chance opportunities, a critical asset against a team like Tripoli that thrives on efficiency.
Tripoli may be the better shooting team, but if ABC can limit their initial shot attempts and capitalize on turnovers, the Fighters could find themselves with the upper hand.
ABC’s physical play may also serve to wear down Tripoli’s shooters, potentially decreasing Tripoli’s shooting efficiency in the second half. Should the Fighters succeed in setting a defensive tone early, Tripoli will be forced to adapt—a scenario ABC is undoubtedly aiming for.
Both games are bound to offer a masterclass in basketball strategy and ambition. Stade Malien and Al Ahli Tripoli have the momentum and consistency, yet KSA and ABC bring fresh challenges and a hunger to advance that cannot be underestimated. These teams have proven they can adjust and rise to the occasion, so the semi-finals promise to be thrilling, unpredictable contests.
Whether it’s Stade Malien’s precision, KSA’s tactical depth, Tripoli’s shooting accuracy, or ABC’s rebounding force, each team will be pushed to the edge as they vie for a spot in the 2025 BAL. We can expect games packed with intensity and standout performances as the final countdown to the BAL begins.
[Photo/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]
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