Petro de Luanda Captures BAL Championship in Stunning Victory Over Al Ahly
Petro de Luanda secured a historic victory by defeating Al Ahly Ly 107-94, becoming the first sub-Saharan African team to win the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Championship. The decisive game took place at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, and captivated fans across 214 countries and territories.
This championship marks a significant milestone for Petro de Luanda, who had previously been runners-up in the 2022 BAL season. Their victory over Al Ahly Ly breaks the streak of previous champions from Egypt and Tunisia, showcasing the rising talent and competitiveness of sub-Saharan African basketball.
Following the game, Petro de Luanda received the BAL Championship Trophy from BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave. Despite the defeat, Al Ahly Ly’s Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. was named the 2024 BAL Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to his outstanding performance throughout the season.
Petro de Luanda’s Path to Victory
Petro de Luanda demonstrated its dominance during the Kalahari Conference group phase in Pretoria, South Africa. They advanced to the Finals by defeating Senegal’s AS Douanes and South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.
Honors and Recognitions
- 2024 BAL Coach of the Year: Rivers Hoopers head coach Odaudu Ogoh, leading his team to a third-place finish.
- 2024 BAL Sportsmanship Award: Will Perry of Rivers Hoopers, exemplifies sportsmanship and camaraderie.
- 2024 All-BAL First Team:
- Will Perry (Rivers Hoopers)
- Samkelo Cele (Cape Town Tigers)
- Chris Crawford (US Monastir)
- Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (Al Ahly Ly)
- Aliou Diarra (FUS Rabat Basketball)
- 2024 All-BAL Defensive Team:
- Souleyman Diabate (Al Ahly Ly)
- Samkelo Cele (Cape Town Tigers)
- Abdoulaye Harouna (AS Douanes)
- Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (Al Ahly Ly)
- Aliou Diarra (FUS Rabat Basketball)
- 2024 BAL Ubuntu Award: Alkaly Ndour of AS Douanes for his efforts to positively impact youth in Senegal.
A Bright Future for BAL
The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, continues to grow in popularity and influence. With Petro de Luanda’s victory, the league showcases the expanding talent pool across Africa and sets the stage for future competitions. Fans can follow the BAL on various social media platforms and stay updated on the latest developments.
This victory is not just a win for Petro de Luanda but a significant achievement for sub-Saharan African basketball, highlighting the region’s potential and promising future in the sport.
