Qualifying Tournament: Round 1 of Second Stage

Ibrahima Haidara

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Mali AS Police defeated DR Congolese ASB Mazembe at home 87-76. The game was mostly controlled by AS Police. ASB Mazembe managed to win fourth quarter 21-18. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. AS Police looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists. Forward Ibrahima Haidara (202-92) fired 25 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for the winners. American-Bahrain power forward Malcolm White (205-88, college: LSU) chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. AS Police's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Rwandan Kami Kabange produced 25 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. ASB Mazembe will play next round against strong ABC trying to get back on the winning streak. AS Police will try to continue on its current victory against Manga BB in Moanda.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Gabonese Manga BB (0-1) in Moanda. Hosts were defeated by Ivorian ABC (1-0) 80-67. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Stephane Konate (190) who helped to win the game recording 19 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Abraham Sie contributed with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for the winners. Forward Lerry Essono Mve (199-92) answered with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 12 rebounds for Manga BB. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. ABC will play against ASB Mazembe (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Manga BB will play against AS Police to get more than just one victory in their record.
A very close game took place in Alger between Cameroonian Fap and Algerian GS Petroliers. Fap (1-0) got a very close victory on the road over GS Petroliers (0-1). Fap managed to escape with a 2-point win 87-85 on Wednesday evening. Matthew Hezekiah stepped up and scored 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. At the losing side Hichem Benayad-Cherif responded with 23 points. GS Petroliers' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Fap will meet at home AS Niglec (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. GS Petroliers will play against Al Nasr and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Benghazi. Local Al Nasr (1-0) beat Nigerien AS Niglec (0-1) 85-67. Michael Taylor nailed 24 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Al Nasr's next round opponent will be GS Petroliers (#7) in Alger which should be theoretically an easy game. AS Niglec will play against Fap and it may be a tough game between close rivals.