May 20, 2025

Is it too early to talk about the 2025 BAL title? Tripoli’s Sadi doesn’t think so

On Tuesday in Kigali, Al Ahli Tripoli reaffirmed their status as the 2025 Nile Conference rulers by outclassing hosts APR in front of a nearly sold-out crowd at BK Arena.

It was the Libyan champions’ toughest test of the season, but they passed with flying colors, winning 90–68.

Unlike in their first two games, where they led from start to finish, Al Ahli Tripoli found themselves in unfamiliar territory on Tuesday, chasing APR for most of the first half.

*A view of the arena during the game between the Armee Patriotique and Al Ahli Tripoli during the Nile Conference group play on May 20, 2025, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.*

However, when Jean Jacques Boissy hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give Al Ahli Tripoli a 42-41 halftime lead, they never trailed again, closing the game with a 22-point victory.

For the third game in a row, Boissy came off the bench to lead the BAL debutants in scoring. This time, he shot 8-for-18 from the floor, including 6-for-13 from deep, to finish with a game-high 27 points.

Boissy’s teammate Nassein Badrush contributed 25 points, and Mohamed Sadi added 14 for the victors.

*Jean Jacques Boissy #5 of Al Ahli Tripoli celebrates during the game against Armee Patriotique during the Nile Conference group play on May 20, 2025 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.*

The only team to finish undefeated in the Road to BAL qualifiers with a 7-0 record, Al Ahli Tripoli improved to 3-0 in the Nile Conference with three games remaining.

Is it too early to start talking about the 2025 BAL championship?

Sadi doesn’t think so. According to him, his team is built to reach new heights. Their most immediate goal is to close the Nile Conference undefeated before taking Pretoria, the site of the 2025 BAL Playoffs, by storm.

“We came to Kigali with one goal. Even though they had the fans behind them, we never felt bothered, and we fought until the end. We want to win every game in this conference,” Sadi pointed out.

The Libyan international player explained that Al Ahli Tripoli’s strength starts on defense: "We are fighters who are hungry for the BAL title. Fighting for every ball possession is a big part of our game. That’s how we play,” he said.

*Obadiah Noel #1 of Armee Patriotique drives to the basket during the game against Al Ahli Tripoli during the Nile Conference group play on May 20, 2025, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.*

Sadi continued: “This is our tenth straight win since the Road to BAL [it started in Tripoli in October 2024], and we are now a step closer to the final.

“We got this win for our fans because we want to make history for our country. Watch us in South Africa,” he observed.

Obadiah Noel and Chasson Randle finished with 18 points apiece and Youssoupha Ndoye contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds for APR.

The 2025 Nile Conference resumes on Thursday with Al Ahli Tripoli facing the Nairobi City Thunder while APR take on MBB.