On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference tipped off in thrilling fashion at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, as APR BBC and Al Ahli Tripoli both delivered electrifying performances to secure their first victories of the tournament.
APR BBC makes a statement
Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball Club (APR BBC) outclassed Kenyan giants Nairobi City Thunder with a decisive 92–63 win, showcasing their dominance in the second and fourth quarters. The match had an intense start, with Nairobi edging APR in the first quarter 23–22, and narrowly winning the third 21–20. However, APR BBC surged ahead in the second quarter 17–8, and completely overwhelmed their opponents in the final quarter with an explosive 33–11 run.
Key to this victory was Aliou Diarra, the Malian powerhouse, who posted 21 points, 5 rebounds, and an efficiency rating of 29. He was well supported by American guard Chasson Jermar Randle, whose scoring played a major role throughout the game.
APR BBC captain Robens Williams emphasized the importance of teamwork in a post-game interview: “We have to win every game by correcting our mistakes and working together with our teammates to secure a place in the playoffs and finals in South Africa.”
Head coach James Edward Maye Jr. echoed this by stating, “The second and fourth quarters made the difference. We identified our weaknesses and corrected them at the right time.”
The fans in the BK Arena were treated to more than just basketball, as Ghanaian Afrobeats star King Promise entertained the crowd during halftime, turning the game into a celebration of African sport and culture.
Al Ahli Tripoli shows resilience in win over MBB
In the earlier game of the day, Libyan giants Al Ahli Tripoli locked in their first Nile Conference win by defeating South Africa’s Made Ball Basketball (MBB) 86–77. The standout player of the game was Jean Jacques Boissy, a Senegalese star who powered Al Ahli with 28 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Al Ahli demonstrated composure and determination throughout the match, coming through with clutch plays in key moments to seal the victory.
The BAL Nile Conference action continues at BK Arena, as teams battle it out for a spot in the BAL Season 5 Playoffs and Finals, set to be held later this year in South Africa.
Rwanda’s APR BBC will next face South Africa’s MBB Blue Soldiers on Sunday, May 18, in a match that could shape their path to the knockout stages.
PHOTOS BY: Shema Innocent and Rusa photographer
