Al Ahly Clinches Victory in Double Overtime Thriller
In an exhilarating showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Al Ahly emerged victorious against FUS Rabat with a score of 76-71, securing the top position in the 2026 Sahara Conference. This match marked a significant moment in the Basketball Africa League (BAL), being only the second game in its history to extend into double overtime. With the first regulation period concluding at a tense 57-57 tie and the first overtime also finishing at 63-63, Al Ahly utilized their defensive prowess to capitalize on crucial turnovers in the final minutes, ultimately sealing their hard-fought win.
Throughout the match, Al Ahly demonstrated resilience and strategic gameplay. The team finished the conference with an impressive 4-1 record, while FUS Rabat ended in third place with a 3-2 record. Zack Lofton and Malek Abdelgowad were instrumental in Al Ahly's success, each contributing 17 points to the scoreboard. A critical factor in this game was FUS Rabat's struggle with turnovers; they committed 22 compared to Al Ahly's 13, which significantly impacted the outcome of this closely contested battle. The last matchup between these two teams during the 2024 BAL playoffs saw FUS Rabat take the win, making this victory all the more significant for Al Ahly in terms of rivalry and rankings.
Turning Points and Player Performances
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the very beginning, with both teams tied at 10-10 after the first quarter and again at 24-24 by halftime. Al Ahly managed to carve out an 11-point lead in the third quarter, but FUS Rabat fought back valiantly, outscoring their opponents 19-11 and forcing the game into overtime. In the additional ten minutes, the teams exchanged blows, yet FUS Rabat’s inability to maintain possession—culminating in seven turnovers during this critical period—proved detrimental. Adding to their challenges, FUS's Kuany Atem Kuany fouled out in the first overtime, diminishing their capacity to keep pace with Al Ahly.
Mouhamadou Diagne’s defensive efforts, including six blocked shots and five points, were commendable but insufficient to turn the tide for FUS Rabat. Al Ahly's dominance on the boards was evident, as they secured 22 offensive rebounds that allowed them to control the pace of the game effectively. Even with a packed arena predominantly supporting FUS Rabat, Al Ahly, the reigning champions from 2023, maintained their composure. Kevin Murphy's absence due to injury meant Lofton and Abdelgowad had to step up, and they did so impressively, combining for 34 points. Additionally, contributions from former FUS Rabat player Johnathan Jordan, who added 10 points off the bench, and Mohamed Khalaf, who matched that score, were crucial.
Anthony Pritchard stood out for FUS Rabat, leading his team with 14 points off the bench, while other players such as Will Perry, Soufiane Benmhine, Badr Azouga, and Kuany Kuany also scored in double figures. Notably, the tie at 57-57 at the end of regulation represented the lowest scoring result in any BAL game this season, underscoring the defensive strategies employed by both teams.
As reported by bal.nba.com.
