May 23, 2026
Deng, Moore score half of Al Ahly Ly's points in narrow win over Club Africain
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Al Ahly Ly scored fewer than 90 points in a game for the first time this season. However, their narrow 88-87 victory over Club Africain on Saturday put them in the driving seat in the two-game quarter-final series.
The Libyan champions improved to 4–2, while Club Africain lost their second consecutive game, also dropping to 4–2.
“We scored fewer points because the playoffs are a different reality and our team is experiencing something new with a new coach,” said Al Ahly Ly guard Mohamed Sadi who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Al Ahly led for most of regulation time, but Club Africain remained close behind. The Tunisian champions were leading by one (87-86) in the last few seconds of the game before Donovan Williams scored the final point.
With two seconds remaining, Club Africain's coach Antonio Cainzos called a timeout and drew up what could have been a game-changing play, but Oussama Marnaoui missed the final shot.
“Winning by one point against a strong Club Africain team who played really well is not so bad,” Sadi admitted.
“We now need to put this behind us, start again and focus on the next game, because the job is not done yet,” Sadi insisted.
Donovan Williams was also pivotal for the Libyan champions, adding 17 points and 6 rebounds in 40 minutes on the court.
Tunisian internationals Omar Abada and Oussama Marnaoui both finished with 23 points for Club Africain, whose bench outscored Al Ahly's 19–2.
'Our focus is now on our next game,' said Club Africain forward Mohamed Hadidane, who contributed seven points.
'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. Hopefully, we’ll make it to the semi-finals!” added the 2012 London olympian.
The winner of the series will be decided on Sunday.
BAL