Alahli SC Make African basketball History, beat Flamengo for 2025 FIBA Intercontinental Cup Bronze

Alahli SC Make African Basketball History, beat Flamengo for 2025 FIBA Intercontinental Cup Bronze

Following their 87-78 highly impressive (yet hard-fought) victory over Japan's Utsunomiya Brex, Alahli SC silenced critics who have constantly doubted African clubs at this level. The 2025 Basketball Africa League champions stunned Brazilian powerhouse Flamengo 91-82 to capture bronze at the 2025 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

Alahli's star five answered the call, led by 2025 BAL MVP Jean-Jacques Boissy, Makur Maker, Ivan Almeida, Ismael Romero and Marcos Knight. Boissy had struggled in earlier games but found his rhythm in the medal showdown against Flamengo. The combo-guard's 19 points, coupled with several timely shots and improved decision-making, helped fuel the win.

The game opened with both sides trading buckets until Gui Deodato and Alexey Borges hit consecutive threes for Flamengo. Maker and Romero responded to trim the deficit before Boissy tied it up at 14-14. Alahli then closed the first quarter on an 11-4 run to grab a 26-22 lead.

The second period saw Almeida drill an early triple, but Flamengo countered with a 7-0 surge to level things. Alahli struggled to score from open play until the 5:53 mark, leaning on Romero and Knight to keep pace. Flamengo controlled the half and entered the break up 44-39.

In the third, Flamengo extended their cushion behind Borges and Deodato, stretching it to 62-54. Alahli refused to fold, responding with a balanced 10-3 run powered by Almeida, Boissy, Maker and Romero. That surge cut the lead to 65-64 entering the final quarter.

Momentum flipped when Alahli stormed ahead 73-71 early in the fourth, capped by a solo 5-0 run from Maker. Flamengo fired back with the help of buckets from Ferreira and followed later by consecutive threes from Cummings and Borges, reclaiming a brief lead. Boissy answered immediately, sparking a decisive 13-8 closing run.

Alahli closed the door and made history as the first African club to secure a podium finish at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup. Their resilience, late-game execution and star performances wrote a milestone chapter for African basketball.

Unlike their previous two game, Alahli's offense was a balanced attack: Maker posted 21 points and 12 rebounds, Boissy had 19 points and three steals, Almeida added 23 points, Romero delivered 19 points and 12 boards, and Knight nearly hit a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds.

The bronze medal marks a historic breakthrough for the Basketball Africa League champions, proving African clubs can stand with the world's elite.

[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]