BAL 2025: Rivers Hoopers and Al Ittihad lead the way, FUS and Stade Malien up against it

The Basketball Africa League (BAL 2025) kicked off its 2025 season in style in Rabat, where the Kalahari Conference offered its first pointers after hard-fought games over the weekend. After two rounds, two favourites have clearly pulled clear: Rivers Hoopers and Al Ittihad of Alexandria, both unbeaten, while hosts FUS Rabat and Stade Malien already find themselves with their backs against the wall.

The Nigerians of Rivers Hoopers in particular made a real statement with two convincing performances. Led by Will Perry, a former MVP in a previous edition, they first beat Stade Malien in fine style (81-60) before getting past FUS Rabat in a tighter contest (88-82). A well-drilled collective and formidable shooting from the outside make the Hoopers the team to beat.

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For their part, the Egyptians of Al Ittihad showed great defensive solidity and let their experience do the talking. They also have two wins to show for it, against FUS (71-60) and against Stade Malien (72-69) respectively. That puts them in a strong position to reach the final phase, set to be held in Kigali.

Critical situation for FUS Rabat and Stade Malien

The situation is more difficult for FUS Rabat. Despite being backed by their home crowd, the capital club have yet to find the right formula. Too inconsistent and nervy late in games, the Moroccan side must react against Stade Malien if they are to hope to secure one of the three qualifying places.

Stade Malien, finalists in 2023, look weakened by the many departures after last season, and their poor shooting has proved costly. The result is two defeats, against the Hoopers and Al Ittihad. The Malians now have no margin for error: they will need to win all or nearly all of their games to dream of reaching Rwanda.

Provisional Kalahari Conference standings (after 2 rounds)

1. Rivers Hoopers (4 points) - 2W / 0L

2. Al Ittihad Alexandria (4 points) - 2W / 0L

3. FUS Rabat (2 points) - 0W / 2L

4. Stade Malien (2 points) - 0W / 2L

Upcoming fixtures

• Tuesday 9 April

Rivers Hoopers - Al Ittihad Alexandria

FUS Rabat - Stade Malien

• Thursday 11 April

Rivers Hoopers - Stade Malien

FUS Rabat - Al Ittihad

• Saturday 13 April

Rivers Hoopers - FUS Rabat

Al Ittihad - Stade Malien

The top three in the final standings of this conference will book their place in the final phase of BAL 2025 in Kigali (Rwanda), scheduled for May.