Ferroviário da Beira Make a Statement with 94–60 Blowout Win Over Basket Hounds

Ferroviário da Beira (CFV) wasted no time sending a message to the rest of the clubs in the Road to BAL Group E. In their opening game, the Mozambican powerhouse dismantled Zimbabwe's newcomers, Basket Hounds, 94–60 in Lusaka, Zambia, in a dominant display that accentuated both their ambition and their readiness to return to continental prominence.

From the opening tip, Beira looked sharper, faster, and more composed. Their offensive rhythm clicked early, and their defensive rotations left little room for the Hounds to breathe. CFV's first-quarter performance set the tone, as they took a 25–20 lead, but it was in the second frame that they truly took over the game. Beira outscored Basket Hounds 24–10, opening up a 19-point cushion by halftime and effectively deflating any hopes of an upset. From there, it was cruise control: 20 points in the third quarter and another 25 in the fourth sealed a wire-to-wire victory.

The numbers told the story of dominance. Beira shot 43.9% from the field, far outpacing the Hounds' 26%. In two-point attempts, Beira maintained 32.2% efficiency to Hounds' 27.6%, and at the free-throw line, they were clinical, hitting 70.6% of their attempts compared to just 36.4% for the Zimbabwean side. The shooting gap reflected more than just offensive execution; it was also a product of suffocating defence. Beira contested every look, forced rushed decisions, and turned rebounds into fast breaks.

Individually, Joshua Thomas was the heartbeat of Beira's offence. He led all scorers with 21 points, showing a blend of perimeter accuracy and slashing ability that the Hounds struggled to contain. In the paint, Mike Banda was a force of nature, pulling down 11 rebounds and anchoring the defence. His control of the glass ensured that the Hounds rarely got second-chance points, turning every miss into a Beira opportunity.

But this wasn't a one-person show. Ferroviário da Beira's victory was defined by balance and depth. Their bench players maintained intensity, kept the scoreboard ticking, and refused to let the rhythm drop. Every quarter saw contributions from multiple scorers, a hallmark of a well-drilled team with chemistry and shared purpose. That depth could prove decisive as the tournament progresses and the physical demands rise.

Defensively, Beira's gameplanning was textbook high-IQ pressure on the perimeter, complemented by strong rotations on the inside, and constant communication. The result was frustration for the Hounds, who found themselves forced into low-percentage shots and prolonged offensive droughts. Their 26% field-goal rate wasn't just a cold night; it reflected how little breathing room Beira allowed.

For Basket Hounds, the loss was a harsh initiation to the continental stage. Founded in 2022 by Vitalis Chikoko and Tawanda Nemutambwe, the Basketball Union of Zimbabwe (BUZ) National League champions are still in the early stages of building their identity. Earning a spot in the Road to BAL is already a major milestone for them, but this matchup showed the gap between promising newcomers and seasoned campaigners, as well as the low strength of their domestic league. Still, it's a valuable experience that will inform their growth and future performances.

For Ferroviário da Beira, however, this was more than a win; it was a statement of intent. A reminder that they remain one of Southern Africa's premier basketball outfits, with the pedigree and structure to challenge for a return to the BAL main stage. If they can sustain this balance of aggression, execution, and defensive commitment, Beira won't just be advancing from their group;  they could be setting themselves up for a deep run.

In Lusaka, the message was clear: Ferroviário da Beira are not just a participant. They're contenders, and their Road to BAL has begun in unstoppable fashion.

[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]