Kriol Star wins against FUS Rabat in playoff opener
The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs began with high energy at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena. Fans watched two thrilling matchups that promised an exciting week ahead.
Kriol Star from Cape Verde came out on top in a tense 91–88 battle against Morocco’s FUS Rabat. Joel Ntambwe led the way with 22 points, while Ivan Almeida put on a show with a triple-double—18 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. Jalan McCloud added 21 points to keep the momentum going. FUS Rabat’s Yacine Baeri was a standout too, thrilling fans with 22 points and sinking seven of eight shots from deep.
Al Ittihad fights hard to beat Al Ahli Tripoli
Later in the evening, Al Ahli Tripoli of Libya faced Al Ittihad of Egypt in a clash between two undefeated teams. Al Ittihad emerged victorious with an 85–74 score. Majok Deng led with 19 points. Lual Acuil followed with a strong double-double, recording 16 points and 14 rebounds. For Al Ahli Tripoli, Fabian White Jr. posted a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds. Jean Jacques Boissy and Naseim Badrush also contributed with 17 and 16 points respectively.
What to expect from the 2025 BAL season
This season, the BAL is reaching fans in 214 countries. Games are available in 17 languages on platforms like Canal+, ESPN, FIBA Courtside 1891, and streaming on the NBA App, NBA.com, BAL.NBA.com, and YouTube.
With top talent and intense matchups, Pretoria is alive with basketball fever. The BAL continues to capture hearts across Africa and beyond.
