KIGALI, May 21, 2023 - Despite playing in front of raucous fans at the 10,000-seater BK Arena, the Egyptian champions, Al Ahly made it to their first ever semis in the Basketball Africa League after a 94-77 win over Rwanda Energy Group Basketball on Saturday. Rwanda President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame were also in attendance.

Al Ahly led with as much as 14 points in the second quarter (46-32) but a resurgent REG put up a fight on their return from the locker room which eventually finished 21-21 apiece. Three players finished on double figures for Al Ahly, Ehab Amin 22 points, Anunwa Omot 12 and Corey Webster 13.

ROUGH START Al Ahly head coach Agustin Julbe Bosch said his team struggled to have an explosive game but was happy REG failed to take advantage of their lapses. 

"We had a rough start especially at the defensive rebounds we were giving them many second chances and probably they were not taking advantage of scoring. But not allowing us to play at our tempo and our pace overall, we are happy with our performance."

ONE STEP AT A TIME Bosch is aware of the challenge in front of him and remains confident his team will do well in the semi final against Stade Malien.

"We are goal-oriented but we know how to take it one step at a time now we have passed this quarter final and now to prepare for the semifinal. Yes, Stade Malien will be a different side and a more physical side, more athletic and demand other things from us. I am sure my players will be ready."

Adonis Filer led two other players on double figures with 26 points, 9 assists and 3 of 9 from beyond the arc while Cleveland Joseph and Axel Mpoyo both scored 15 points each.
 

STADE MALIEN DEFEAT CAPE TOWN TIGERS In the game played earlier, Stade Malien defeated Cape Town Tigers 78-69 to advance to their first ever appearance in the semi final.

Stade Malien's Aliou Diarra was 9 for 15 from the field to finish with a team-high of 18 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks. His teammate John Wilkins also shot 18 points and four 3-pointers to walk away with the Player of the Game accolade.

Cape Town Tigers who were without Evans Ganapamo and Zaire Wade due to injury had to rely on Samkelo Cele and Pieter Prinsloo. Prinsloo finished with a game-high of 19 points, Cele added 18 and Marvin Smith Jr contributed 17 points.

The defeat is Cape Town’s second consecutive exit in the Quarter-Finals.