(Of DAVIDE COLOTTI). It’s a celebration for Angola: Petro de Luanda wins the 4th edition of the Basketball Africa League, defeating Libya’s Al Ahly Ly of Benghazi 107-94 in front of 6,400 spectators at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. After 3 out of 3 placements in the Final Four, with the disappointment of defeat in the final in 2022, the triumph for coach Sergio Valdeolmillos’ men comes perhaps in the least awaited season.
It is the first time for sub-Saharan Africa, after two Egyptian successes (Zamalek and Al Ahly Cairo) interspersed with the sharp Tunisian side of Monastir, the only other franchise to have taken part in all the editions of BAL besides the new champions. Also on the podium were the Rivers Hoopers of Port Harcourt (Nigeria), who defeated the Cape Town Tigers (South Africa) 80-57 in the consolation final. With this success, Petro also secures a ticket to the Intercontinental Cup next September in Singapore. Great disappointment for Al Ahly Ly, absolute debutants, who squandered a 12-point lead at half-time. Petro monologue in the last 20 minutes, with the Angolans closing the third period on a draw led by a great Lukeny Gonçalves and escaping in the final quarter by dominating on the rebound.
Veterans against rookies, and also two opposing game philosophies: Bengasi focuses very strongly on its foreign quintet, Luanda relies on an indigenous nucleus and exploits the American talent of former Orlandino Nick Faust (24 points) coming off the bench. Two other former LBAs, Angolans, lift the trophy: Yanick Moreira, ex Virtus, and Carlos Morais, ex Siena.
The shot for the Finals is placed in Benghazi, but it’s not enough: the former Chieti player Trae Golden, a firebrand in the Chinese championship for years averaging over 30 points, joins Al Ahly to replace the injured Pierre Jackson, but his 8 turnovers weigh like rocks. Second defeat in the final in 3 months for Jo Lual-Acuil, after the one in the Australian NBL, but the South Sudanese pivot can console himself with the title of MVP and best defender of the competition.
PETRO LUANDA-AL AHLY LY 107-94
Petro Luanda: Faust 24, Cummings 20, Lukeny 16+8r+8a, Moreira 12+6r, Castro 10, Dundao 9
Al Ahly Ly: Deng 24, Golden 21+8a, Diabate 20, Lual-Acuil 15+9r
BAL 2024 Statistical Leaders:
Points
1) Jo Lual-Acuil (Al Ahly Ly) 21.1
2) Samkelo Cele (Cape Town Tigers) 21.0
3) Fula Nganga Rolly (Bangui SC) 20.2
4) Obadiah Noel (APR) 19.4
5) Chris Crawford (Monastir) 19.0
Rebounds
1) Khaman Maluach (City Oilers) 13.5
2) Nkosinathi Sibanyoni (Cape Town Tigers) 12.4
3) Peter Olisemeka (Rivers Hoopers) 11.7
Assist
1) Chris Crawford (Monastir) 9.0
2) Kelvin Amayo (Rivers Hoopers) 7.0
3) Souleyman Diabate (Al Ahly Ly) 6.0
