- Al Ahli Tripoli defeated Petro de Luanda 88–67 in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) finals to win their first-ever title, becoming the first Libyan team to do so, on Sunday, June 14, at the SunBet Arena in South Africa.
- With this victory, they not only became the first Libyan club to lift the BAL trophy but also the first team from the Road to BAL qualification route to win the continental championship.
- Despite reaching the finals for the second consecutive year, Petro de Luanda were unable to replicate their 2024 success.
Al Ahli Tripoli etched their name in the history books as the first team from Libya to claim the Basketball Africa League (BAL) championship, securing the title in the fifth edition of the tournament by defeating Petro de Luanda 88-67 on Sunday evening at the SunBet Arena in South Africa.
Making their debut in the BAL, the squad led by coach Fouad Abou Chacra showcased exceptional form throughout their campaign.
They entered the playoffs as the second seed, boasting an impressive 8–1 record, with their sole loss coming against Al Ittihad.
Center Assem Marei emerged as the cornerstone of Tripoli’s success in the final.
Despite joining the team late during the Conference stage in Kigali, Marei delivered a phenomenal performance, recording 22 points, 19 rebounds, and three assists.
Complementing Marei’s brilliance, Fabian Christopher, contributed 18 points and nine rebounds.
Jean Jacques Boissy, coming off the bench and seeking redemption after losing the 2023 BAL final with AS Douanes, added 12 crucial points.
Additional firepower came from Mohamed B. Abdourahman Sadi, Jaylen Adams, and Caleb Agada, who each scored in double figures, tallying 11, 11, and 10 points respectively.
Despite reaching the finals for the second consecutive year, Petro de Luanda could not replicate their 2024 success.
Their top scorers- Aboubacar Gakou (12 points), Childe Dundao (11 points), and Patrick Gardner (11 points) they put up a strong fight but were ultimately outmatched by Tripoli’s depth and defensive execution.
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Al Ahli Tripoli vs Petro de Luanda game breakdown
The opening quarter was tightly contested, but Al Ahli Tripoli gained the upper hand with sharper execution, ennding the period 27–19.
In the second quarter, they briefly extended their lead to double digits, but Petro de Luanda mounted a spirited comeback to win the frame 19–16.
Nevertheless, Tripoli maintained a 43–38 advantage at halftime.
In the first half, Boissy and White Jr. led Al Ahli’s scoring with nine points each, while Agada added eight off the bench.
Marei anchored the interior with 11 rebounds and eight points, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
Petro’s standout in the first half was Patrick Gardner, the only player on either side to reach double figures before the break.
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He also pulled down five rebounds, while Dundao added six points and Mendoza and Gakou chipped in with five each.
The third quarter belonged entirely to Tripoli. They surged to a 63–47 lead after just seven minutes, capitalizing on Petro’s defensive lapses.
Despite a late push from Luanda, Tripoli closed the quarter up 66–54 after winning it 23–16.
In the final period, Al Ahli Tripoli maintained their composure and closed out the game in dominant fashion, winning the quarter 22–13 and sealing a commanding 88–67 victory.
With this, they became not only the first Libyan team to lift the BAL trophy but also the first squad from the Road to BAL qualification route to claim the continental title.
Coach Fouad Abou Chacra named 2025 BAL Coach of the Year
In recognition of his remarkable leadership, Fouad Abou Chacra was named the 2025 BAL Coach of the Year.
The Italian-Lebanese tactician orchestrated a flawless campaign, guiding Al Ahli Tripoli through an undefeated 7-0 run in the 2024 Road to BAL qualifiers, followed by a perfect 6-0 record in the 2025 BAL Nile Conference.
Under his stewardship, the Libyan club finished the season with a near-perfect 8–1 record, culminating in their historic championship win.
BAL Champions by Year
- 2021 – Zamalek (Egypt)
- 2022 – US Monastir (Tunisia)
- 2023 – Al Ahly (Egypt)
- 2024 – Petro de Luanda (Angola)
- 2025 – Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya)
BAL Coach of the Year Winners
- 2022 – Jose Neto (Brazilian), Petro de Luanda
- 2023 – Pabi Gueye (Senegalese), AS Douanes
- 2024 – Ogoh Odaudu (Nigerian), Rivers Hoopers
- 2025 – Abou Chacra Fouad (Italian-Lebanese), Al Ahli Tripoli
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