Al Ahly Ly Edge Club Africain in Quarter-Final Thriller to Take Control of Series

Al Ahly Ly may have fallen short of the 90-point mark for the first time this season, but the Libyan champions demonstrated that playoff basketball is about results rather than statistics. In a tense and dramatic quarter-final clash on Saturday, Al Ahly secured a narrow 88-87 victory over Club Africain, putting themselves in a commanding position ahead of the decisive second game of the series.

The victory improved Al Ahly’s record to 4-2, while Club Africain suffered a second consecutive defeat and also slipped to 4-2. More importantly, the Libyan side moved one step closer to a coveted semi-final berth after surviving one of the most competitive contests of the season.

From the opening tip, Al Ahly showed the composure and discipline that have made them one of the tournament’s strongest teams. Despite missing star center Jo Lual Acuil, who has been their leading scorer and rebounder throughout the campaign, the Libyan champions found answers from elsewhere in the roster.

Majok Deng and recently acquired guard Charlie Moore stepped up impressively, combining for 45 points and ensuring that Al Ahly maintained offensive production despite the absence of their key big man. Their ability to score in crucial moments prevented Club Africain from taking complete control of the contest.

Al Ahly guard Mohamed Sadi was another influential figure in the victory. Finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Sadi delivered an all-around performance while helping his team maintain its edge throughout most of regulation.

After the game, Sadi acknowledged that playoff basketball presents a different challenge compared to the regular season.

We scored fewer points because the playoffs are a different reality and our team is experiencing something new with a new coach,

he explained.

Although Al Ahly spent much of the game in front, Club Africain consistently refused to go away. The Tunisian champions remained within striking distance thanks to the outstanding performances of Tunisian internationals Omar Abada and Oussama Marnaoui. The duo carried much of the offensive burden, each finishing with 23 points and repeatedly delivering key baskets whenever Al Ahly threatened to pull away.

One area where Club Africain clearly held an advantage was bench production. Their reserves contributed 19 points compared to just two from Al Ahly’s bench, highlighting the depth and energy that the Tunisian side brought to the encounter.

As the game entered its final moments, the drama intensified. Club Africain managed to take an 87-86 lead in the closing seconds, seemingly positioning themselves for a remarkable comeback victory. However, Al Ahly responded immediately through Donovan Williams, who calmly converted the decisive point that restored his team’s advantage at 88-87.

Williams was instrumental throughout the contest, finishing with 17 points and six rebounds while playing all 40 minutes. His durability and late-game execution proved decisive in one of the most important possessions of the night.

Club Africain still had one final opportunity. With only two seconds remaining, head coach Antonio Cainzos called a timeout and designed a play that could have changed the outcome of the series. The ball ultimately found Marnaoui, but his final attempt missed the target, allowing Al Ahly players and supporters to celebrate a hard-fought victory.

Reflecting on the result, Sadi remained pleased but cautious.

Winning by one point against a strong Club Africain team who played really well is not so bad,” he said. “We now need to put this behind us, start again and focus on the next game, because the job is not done yet.

Club Africain also left the court with reasons for optimism. Forward Mohamed Hadidane, who scored seven points, stressed that defensive improvements could make the difference in the next encounter.

Our focus is now on our next game,” Hadidane said. “We just need to improve our defensive play and we’ll be fine. You can’t win basketball games or championships without playing disciplined defence. Losing by just one point is nothing, so we’re feeling very positive about our next game

With only one point separating the teams after 40 minutes of intense action, the quarter-final remains delicately poised. Al Ahly Ly have earned the advantage, but Club Africain have shown enough quality to believe they can reverse their fortunes. All eyes now turn to Sunday, when the winner-takes-all showdown will determine which team advances to the semi-finals.

Photography/Imagery Courtesy of Theo Kine]

‍