BAL 6: Club Africaine, an express adaptation
For its first participation in the Basketball Africa League this season, Club Africaine did not need any adaptation time. Thanks to its experience from previous epics on the continent, the Tunisian formation shines. After 3 matches in the Sahara Conference in Rabat, Morocco, she occupies first place with 3 victories.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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The Final 8 already in the pocket
After three games, Club Africain has already qualified for the Final 8 of the Basketball Africa League. The Tunisian team flew over the debates in the Sahara Conference with victories and a remarkable collective performance.
From their first match, Club Africain caused a sensation. He won 85-79 in front of ASC Ville de Dakar. From the first quarter (25-18), the Tunisian club took the lead and did not give up until the end of the match. Omar Abada and Jesse Jones Jr., scoring 21 points each, were the key players to get this win from the start.
For their second outing, Club Africain beat Al Ahly (69-68) by one point at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat. Oussama Marnaoui scored the winner’s three-goal goal with 7 seconds left in the game. Omar Abada also weighed in this prestigious victory thanks to his 23 points including important points in the last quarter.
In the third outing, Club Africain also fought hard to get this victory over the JCA Kings and secure their place for the Final 8. A 79-74 victory after extra time thanks to 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists from Aminu Mohamed, 21 points, 6 assists and 2 rebounds from Omar Abada and 18 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds from Jesse Jones Jr.
Club Africain , a team with character
If Club Africain has been able to make a full house so far, it’s not only for the beautiful game produced. He also has a strength of character. The team can go and snatch a victory in complicated moments. Which makes it very difficult to analyze and beat.
In the last two meetings, Club Africain was not flamboyant. It was pragmatic. Beaten by Al Ahly, the team managed to find the resources to win in the end. Pushed to the limit by the JCA Kings, the Tunisians were able to find the formula to win. This formation, with very strong individualities, is built to shake up the hierarchy this season in BAL.
«Congratulations to my team and the JCA Kings for this hard-fought game. It wasn’t easy; we really had to fight. My team showed great character, even when shots didn’t come in. Everything seemed to be going wrong tonight, but we held on and managed to win,"
said Jamelle Hagins, a strong winger from the Club Africain, after the last success against the Ivorians of the JCA Kings.
On a strong momentum, Club Africain will play its fourth match against the Nigerians of Maktown Flyers this Friday at 14h GMT.