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BAL 2024 - Nile Conference: Results and full schedule

The BAL is back. This time, it's the Nile Conference, taking place from April 19 to 27 at the Hassan Mostafa Sports Complex in Cairo, Egypt. The teams in the running are hosts and defending champions Al Ahly, their Libyan namesake Al Ahly, Bangui Sporting Club and City Oilers.

After the Kalahari Conference, it's time for the Nile Conference in this fourth edition of the BAL. In this league, defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt play at home to Libya's Al Alhy, who are new to the competition. Also taking part are Bangui Sporting Club from the Central African Republic and City Oilers from Uganda, who are taking part for the second time. Each team will face its three opponents twice. The two best teams will be at the BK Arena in Kigali, as will the two best third-placed teams from all the other conferences, for four classification matches, followed by eight play-off matches and the finals. These matches will take place from May 24 to June 1.

 

Nile Conference schedule

Friday April 19, 2024

Al Ahly (Libya) 93-71 Bangui Sporting Club

Al Ahly (Egypt) 99-76 City Oilers

Saturday April 20th

Bangui Sporting Club 101-88 City Oilers

Al Ahly (Egypt) 98-86 Al Ahly (Benghazi)

Monday April 22nd

City Oilers 68-79-Al Ahly (Libya)

Bangui Sporting Club 79-85 Al Ahly (Egypt)

Wednesday April 24th

3pm: Bangui Sporting Club-Al Ahly (Libya)

6pm: City Oilers-Al Ahly (Egypt)

Friday 26th April

2pm: City Oilers-Bangui Sporting Club

5pm: Al Ahly-Al Ahly

Saturday, April 27

2pm: Al Ahly (Libya)-City Oilers

5pm: Al Ahly (Egypt)-Bangui Sporting Club

 

BAL 2022 - Playoffs: SLAC and AS Salé will face Zamalek and Petro in the quarters

Carried by Mikh McKinney (28pts), Zamalek signed a 4th victory in a row this Saturday against Hope Fukash (101-92), during the 5th day of the Nile Conference. Despite the defeat of his team, the Congolese winger, Rolly Fula Nganga (28 pts) also distinguished himself. The Petro relied on Childe Dundao (16 pts) to defeat the Armed Forces and Police (73-60). We already know two play-offs in Kigali: Zamalek - SLAC and Petro Luanda - AS Salé.

Childe Dundão, 23, has offered Petro Luanda its ticket to the playoffs of the BAL 2022, scheduled from 21 to 28 May in Rwanda. The Angolan point guard distinguished himself against the Armed Forces and Police (73-60). In 31 minutes, he put in 16 pts, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. On his 1m87, he was in all the right moves, hence his good statistics: 50% in 3 points (3/6), 83% in free throws (5/6) and 44% in 2 points (1-3). Dundão confirmed his good tournament with an average of 10 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

He is a product of Petro Luanda. He has been playing with the senior team since 2016 when he made his pro debut. The Angolan took part in the U18 Afrobasket and the U19 World Cup in 2016. The young man already has 2 Angolan championships (2019 and 2022) and a national cup (2022). Petro Luanda will be able to rely on him for the rest of the tournament and especially for the play-offs in Rwanda next May.

McKinney - Nganga, duel of marksmen
At Zamalek, no one is indispensable. With Edgar Sosa rested and Anas Mahmoud (6 pts) and Ike Diogu (13 pts) not as lively, it is Mikh McKinney who takes charge. The Filipino-American point guard (1m85, 77 kg) helped the Egyptian club to maintain its unbeaten record against Fukash (101-92).

He had 25 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists in 26 minutes. McKinney thus allows Zamalek to secure its 1st place in this Nile Conference. Mikh McKinney (30 years old) is an old hand. He has played for several clubs in his career: Antwerp Giants (2015-2016), Delaware 87ers (2016-2017), Chong Son Kung Fu (2017-2020), Halcones de Xalapa (2021) and Edmonton Stingers (2021).

On the other side of the field, Rolly Fula Nganga also had a match. The Congolese winger (29 years old, 1m98) scored 28 points for 5 rebounds and 3 assists. But it was not enough for Fukash who suffered his third defeat in as many outings. The Congolese team must win its next two games to hope to qualify. The mission looks difficult against Petro Lunda (Monday) and Cape Town Tigers (Tuesday). Mikh McKinney and Rolly Fula Nganga are the first players to score 28 points in the Nile Conference. The record holder for points in a game is Terrell Stoglin (41 points), point guard of AS Salé. He achieved this performance against US Monastir (90-96) in Dakar.

Two quarter-final line-ups known
The table of quarterfinals is not yet complete. But we already know two posters. Zamalek, which takes the first place in its Conference will face SLAC. The Guinean club was ranked fourth last month in Dakar. And the other opposition will be Petro Luanda vs AS Salé (Morocco).

 

BAL 2022 - Nile Conference: Zamalek in play-offs as Preston keeps Cape alive

Zamalek swept Petro Luanda 85-72 to qualify for the Africa Basketball League play-offs on Friday 15 April. The Egyptian club relied on the duo Edgar Sosa (19 pts) and Anas Mahmoud (16 pts, 11 rbds) to take control of the Nile Conference. Petro Luanda plays its qualification this Saturday 16 against Forces Armées et Police du Cameroun. Led by Billy Preston (23 pts, 14 rbds), Cape Town Tigers offers Cobra Sport (83-79) and is close to the play-offs.

Sosa and Mahmoud qualify Zamalek
Leader before the 4th day, Petro Luanda fell again against the Egyptian club, its tormentor in the semi-finals (89-71) in the 1st edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). And it was the duo of Edgar Sosa (19 pts) and Anas Mahmoud (16 pts, 11 rbds) that allowed Zamalek to clinch their ticket to the play-offs, scheduled for 21-28 May in Rwanda.

American-Dominican point guard Edgar Sosa confirmed his good start to the tournament. He is averaging 16-19 points per game with 6 assists. This Friday, he scored 19 pts in 28 minutes of play. He is well helped by Egyptian winger Anas Mahmoud (16 pts, 11 rbds).

Mahmoud is also averaging 12-16 pts and 11.5 rbds per game. This duo literally dominated Petro Luanda despite Chlide Dundão's 16 pts.

In addition to their qualification, Zamalek takes the 1st place in the Nile Conference. Petro Luanda (2nd, 5 pts) can qualify this Saturday if they win against the Armed Forces and Police. The Cameroonian club remains on a victory and as many defeats.

Billy, the Cavalier master the Cobra
Fourth-placed Cape Town Tigers took a step towards the play-offs with an 83-79 win over Cobra Sport. The South Africans were led by the duo of Billy Preston (23 pts, 14 rbds) and Evans Ganapamo (19 pts).

Former Cleveland player, Billy Preston (24 years old, 2m08) achieved his first double-double in the tournament. He scored 26 points in Cape Town's 77-101 loss to Zamalek. Born in 1997 in Santa Ana (California), Preston was awarded a two-way contract in July 2018. He will play in the G-League with Canton Charge. He never played a game with the Cavaliers, who will fire him in December 2018. He will be moving to several clubs: Erie BayHawks (2018-2019), Texas Legends (2019) and Illawarra Hawks (2019).

Cape Town Tigers (6 pts -46) are in 3rd place in the Nile Conference. They can qualify this Saturday if Armed Forces and Police lose to Petro Luanda.

On its part, Cobra (5 pts -31) will play its qualification on Monday 18 April against the Armed Forces and Police. In a press conference, the coach of the South Sudanese team, Manyang Berberi, remains optimistic. We will play our chances in this last game," he said. Qualification is possible. It's a final and we're going to put everything on our side.

BAL 2022 - Nile Conference: 'Cobras' show no mercy as Ganapamo topple FAP

The Africa Basketball League reveals one or more talents every day. On Wednesday, three players led their teams to success. South Sudanese Mayan Keer Kiir and Padiet Wang helped Cobra Sport defeat Fukash Hope 108-82. Another young talent also shone in the person of Evans Ganapamo, the winger of Cape Town Tigers, who scored the winning basket against Armed Forces and Police (73-70).

The 24 year old Mayan Keer Kiir and Padiet Wang gave Cobra Sport their first win in the Nile Conference. The South Sudanese team is back on track after two defeats against Zamalek (63-80, 1st day) and Petro Luanda (56-92, 2nd day). The two youngsters have performed XXL. Able to play as a strong winger and a pivot, Mayan Keer Kiir (2m06, 99 kg) got his second double-double in the tournament. He scored 24 points and 11 rebounds without forgetting his 4 assists in 24 minutes of play. Mayan, who has the same last name as South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, was good almost everywhere: 9 -13 in 2-pointers (69%), 1-2 in 3-pointers (50%) and 3-6 in free throws (50%). Keer Kiir started his professional career this year with the Basketball Africa League. Mayan had a double-double of 18 pts, 22 rbds) against Zamalek.

His teammate, Padiet Wang (point guard), is more familiar with the game. He has played in the NCAA and in Portugal. He is in the national team and played in the last window of the 2023 World Cup qualifiers in Dakar. Technical and able to take the game in hand, Wang (1m94, 75 kg) regaled with passes, 8 in total against Espoir Fukash. In 33 minutes, he showed his skill with 24 points. He also achieved his best performance since the beginning of the BAL. The Kiir-Wang duo put the Cobra back on track.

As for Espoir Fukash (2 pts -43), they are at the bottom of the table with only 2 games played.

Ganapamo kill off FAP
3rd before facing Cape Town Tigers, the Armed Forces and Police from Cameroon had to win to stay in touch with Petro Luanda and Zamalek. But FAP team could not string together a second straight victory. They lost to Cape Town Tigers (70-73). The tormentor of the FAP is Evans Ganapamo. The 27 year old back row player scored the winning basket. He finished the game with (24 pts, 4 rebounds and 2 assists) in 34 minutes of play. Ganapamo (27 years old, 1m96, 84 kg) is averaging 15.5 pts per game since the start of the tournament. He is one of Cape Town's biggest assets. The young man is capable of shooting from all distances and has great penetration strength. His contribution in the game is considerable, hence his high playing time of 34 to 36 minutes per game. This win for Cape Town revives their Nile Conference campaign.

 

Match schedule
Saturday 9 April 2022

Zamalek - Cobra Sport 80-63

Sunday 10 April 2022

FAP - Espoir Fukash 77-60

Cape Town Tigers - Petro Luanda 61-90

Tuesday 12 April 2022

Petro Luanda - Cobra Sport 92-56

Cape Town Tigers - Zamalek 77-101

Wednesday 13 April 2022

Cobra Sport - Espoir Fukash 108-82

FAP - Cape Town Tigers 70-73

Friday 15 March 2022

5:30 Cobra Sport - Cape Town Tigers

9:00 Zamalek - Petro Luanda

Saturday 16 April 2022

5:30 Petro Luanda - FAP

9:00 Espoir Fukash - Zamalek

Monday 18 April 2022

5:30 Petro Luanda - Espoir Fukash

9:00 FAP - Cobra Sport

Tuesday 19 April 2022

5:30 Espoir Fukash - Cape Town Tigers

9:00 Zamalek - FAP

Matchday 3 standings

1st Petro Luanda (4 pts +65), 2nd Zamalek (4 pts +41), 3rd Cobra Sport (4 pts -27), 4th Cape Town (4 pts -50), 5th FAP (3 pts +14),6th Espoir Fukash (2 pts -43)

BAL 2022: Day 1 highlights and standings plus fixtures

The Nile Conference ended its first day on Sunday with the respective victories of the Armed Forces and Police of Cameroon and Petro Luanda before Espoir Fukash (77-60) and Cape Town Tigers (90-61). The Angolan team of Petro Luanda is the leader of this Conference. However, some players have marked this first day;Joel Freitas (23 pts), Carlos Morais (23 pts), Myan Keer Kirr (18 pts, 22 rbds) and Ike Diogu (17 pts).

Zamalek's 17-pt win over Cobra Sport in the Nile Conference opener on Sunday was a great success with Diogu being the main man. The Nigerian winger was helped by Dary Stawberry (14 pts) without forgetting the star of Egyptian basketball Anas Mahmoud, author of a double-double (10 pts and 11 rbds). Zamalek (2 pts +17) is currently 2nd in the Nile Conference.

His team's defeat overshadowed his statistics. The South Sudanese interior, Myan Keer Kiir, gave a good performance with 18 pts and 22 rbds. He dominates the top rebounding rankings. Cobra Sport (1 pt -17) is in 4th place.

Freitas Almeida 'lights up' Hope
The Armed Forces and Police went fishing for a "Blue Shark" in Cape Verdean waters in the person of Joel Freitas Almeida. The 36-year-old point guard carried his team against the Congolese Espoir Fukash (77-60). The Cape Verdean was outstanding with 23 pts in 25 minutes of play. He averaged 58% from 3-point range, or 7 out of 12. He is co-leading scorer of the Nile Conference with Carlos Morais.

The Cameroonian team did not make a mistake in recruiting him. The hopeful Fukash was not ridiculous in this game. And one player stood up to the FAP for a long time. It was Bobo Kasongo Kasasa who scored 14 points, including 9 3-pointers in 28 minutes. Forces Armées et Police (2 pts +17) are in 3rd place, while Espoir Fukash (1 pt -17) is 5th.

Morais has a good reputation
Carried by Carlos Morais, Petro Luanda showed its ambitions against Cape Town Tigers (90-61). The four-time Angolan champion (2005, 2007, 2009 and 2013) showed his talent in this game. He finished the game with (23 pts, 4 rbds, 3 assists) in 26 minutes of play. Morais shares the 1st place of the best scorers with Joel Freitas Almeida (FAP).

Petro Luanda has taken the first place in the Nile Conference and sends a strong signal to their next opponents. The South African team of Cape Town Tigers continues its learning curve in the tournament. They will meet holders Zamalek on Tuesday, starting at 9 pm GMT.

 

Match schedule
Saturday 9 April 2022

Zamalek - Cobra Sport 80-63

Sunday 10 April 2022

FAP - Espoir Fukash 77-60

Cape Town Tigers - Petro Luanda 61-90

Tuesday 12 April 2022

5:30 pm Petro Luanda - Cobra Sport

9 pm Cape Town Tigers - Zamalek

Wednesday 13 April 2022

5:30 pm Cobra Sport - Espoir Fukash

9 pm FAP - Cape Town Tigers

Friday 15 March 2022

5:30 pm Cobra Sport - Cape Town Tigers

9 pm  Zamalek - Petro Luanda

Saturday 16 April 2022

5:30 pm Petro Luanda - FAP

9 pm  Espoir Fukash - Zamalek

Monday 18 April 2022

5:30 pm Petro Luanda - Espoir Fukash

9 pm FAP - Cobra Sport

Tuesday 19 April 2022

5:30 pm Espoir Fukash - Cape Town Tigers

9 pm  Zamalek - FAP

Standings Day 1
1st Petro Luanda (2 pts +29), 2nd Zamalek (2 pts +17), 3rd FAP (2 pts +17), 4th Espoir Fukash (1 pt -17), 5th Cobra Sport (1 pt -17), 6thCape Town (1 pt -29)