BAL 2023: Al Ahly keep the trophy in North Africa
BAL 2023: Al Ahly keep the trophy in North Africa, on Sport News Africa
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Jean Jacques Boissy tried to rouse his team-mates midway through the 2nd quarter, when the Egyptians pulled away by 9. The Senegalese combo guard first scored with a neat lay-up at the end of a coast-to-coast run, then drew an offensive foul on Al Ahly (29-24). Those two back-to-back plays sent the Kigali Arena wild, a crowd the "Douanier" had won over during this fine week of competition.
Hampered by an injury, Boissy (20 pts) then handed the baton to Diakité (14 pts). But the pair were rather isolated. Point guard Alkaly Ndour (0 pt) struggled badly with his shooting, summed up by a huge air-ball from behind the arc in the 3rd quarter. The Senegalese were also floored by that 3rd period. Led by Anumwa Omot (22 pts), who was completely in the zone, the Egyptians landed a heavy blow, winning the quarter 25-12 to start the last quarter at 63-46.
Dazed, the Douaniers never recovered. Al Ahly won (80-65). The Senegalese side were dreadful from behind the arc (2/31). It is hard to win a final with such poor shooting.
The Red Devils succeed US Monastir of Tunisia. As in 2021 and 2022, a North African side has won the Basketball Africa League.
Can always count on Corey Webster with the corner 3 @Ahly_Basketball #TheBAL #BALFinals pic.twitter.com/AMAzQpmgD8
— Basketball Africa League (@theBAL) May 27, 2023