In Summary:
- Al Ahli Tripoli made history by winning their first-ever Basketball Africa League (BAL) title, becoming the first Libyan team to do so.
- They showed amazing teamwork and strong play, especially from Assem Marei, to beat former champions Petro de Luanda in the final.
- This victory highlights Libya’s growing basketball strength and sets Al Ahli Tripoli up to play on the global stage at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
Al Ahli Tripoli achieved a historic milestone on June 14, 2025, by winning the Basketball Africa League (BAL) championship, making them the first team from Libya to claim the title. They defeated Petro de Luanda 88-67 in a dominant performance, fueled by strong teamwork and standout plays from players like Assem Marei. This win is not just a major achievement for Al Ahli Tripoli but also a significant moment for Libyan basketball, showcasing their talent and setting the stage for them to compete on the world stage.
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Al Ahli Tripoli’s Dominant Performance in the Final
The championship game was a display of Al Ahli Tripoli’s strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.
They established an early lead, finishing the first quarter 27-19, thanks to their cohesive teamwork and stout defense.
While Petro de Luanda, the 2024 champions, managed to narrow the gap to 43-38 by halftime, Al Ahli Tripoli surged in the third quarter, extending their lead to 66-54.
A key figure in their dominance was Assem Marei, who delivered an outstanding performance with 22 points and 19 rebounds.
Fabian Christopher contributed significantly with 18 points and 9 rebounds, and Jean Jacques Boissy added 12 points off the bench, helping secure a decisive 22-13 finish in the fourth quarter.
Despite the efforts of Petro’s key players, Aboubacar Gakou (12 points) and Childe Dundao (11 points), Al Ahli Tripoli’s depth and energy ultimately proved overwhelming.
An Unprecedented Path to Glory
Al Ahli Tripoli’s triumph is particularly noteworthy given their unconventional path to the championship.
They are the first team to win the BAL title after progressing through the Road to BAL qualification route.
Under the guidance of Coach Fouad Abou Chacra, who was recognized as the 2025 BAL Coach of the Year, the team maintained an undefeated record in the qualifiers (7-0) and dominated the Nile Conference (6-0).
Their only defeat in the playoffs did not deter them, as they entered the final with an impressive 8-1 record.
This victory significantly bolsters Libya’s growing presence in African basketball, building on the success of Al Ahly Benghazi, who reached the 2024 BAL final.
The win also grants Al Ahli Tripoli the opportunity to represent Africa at the upcoming FIBA Intercontinental Cup, an international stage where they will compete against top clubs from other continents.
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Elevating African Basketball on the Global Stage
Now in its fifth year, the Basketball Africa League, a collaborative initiative by the NBA and FIBA launched in 2020, continues to play a pivotal role in elevating the sport across the continent.
Previous champions include Zamalek (Egypt, 2021), US Monastir (Tunisia, 2022), Al Ahly (Egypt, 2023), and Petro de Luanda (Angola, 2024).
Al Ahli Tripoli’s addition to this elite group underscores the league’s success in fostering competitive parity and unearthing new talent.
With five Libyan players on their roster, the team is poised to make a significant impact at the 2025 AfroBasket in Angola, further raising Libya’s profile in the basketball world.
This win not only represents a sporting achievement but also embodies the BAL’s broader mission of blending athletic competition with cultural celebration, as exemplified by performances from artists like South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest at the Pretoria event.
Al Ahli Tripoli’s 2025 BAL championship is a testament to resilience and a landmark achievement for Libyan sports, destined to inspire a new generation of basketball enthusiasts.
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