Al Ahly SC defeated by Al Ahly Ly, halting title defense.
Tactical redemption: Al Ahly Ly’s strategic adjustments pay off.
Majok Deng shines; Robert Golden’s sharp shooting crucial.
Al Ahly SC reflects on defeat; Al Ahly Ly advances.
Disappointment for the Reigning Champions as Al Ahly Ly Seals Victory
In a dramatic turn of events at the first Quarterfinals on Sunday, Al Ahly SC, the reigning champions, faced a stunning defeat at the hands of Libya’s Al Ahly Ly. This unexpected outcome shattered Al Ahly SC’s hopes of securing back-to-back titles, leaving fans in awe of Al Ahly Ly’s impressive performance.
Strategic Redemption: Al Ahly Ly’s Tactical Triumph
Al Ahly Ly entered the match with a meticulously crafted strategy, having learned from their defeats to Al Ahly SC during the 2024 Nile Conference in Cairo. Despite Al Ahly SC’s initial lead in the second quarter, Al Ahly Ly orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in the third quarter, ultimately clinching victory with a score of 86-77. This marked the biggest losing margin for Al Ahly SC in BAL history, highlighting the magnitude of Al Ahly Ly’s strategic prowess.
Key Players Shine: Majok Deng and Robert Golden Lead the Charge
Majok Deng emerged as a pivotal figure for Al Ahly Ly, falling just short of a double-double with a game-high 25 points and 9 rebounds. Additionally, the contribution of Robert Golden cannot be overstated, as he ignited the court with his exceptional shooting, finishing with 23 points and 9 assists. Not to be outdone, Jo-Lual Acuil Jr. showcased his versatility with his fourth double-double of the season, tallying 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Mark Lyons Reflects on Al Ahly SC’s Challenge
Mark Lyons, representing Al Ahly SC, acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Al Ahly Ly, particularly in their third encounter of the season. Despite his team’s valiant efforts, Lyons conceded that Al Ahly Ly’s proficiency, especially in crucial moments, proved insurmountable. Credit was duly given to Al Ahly Ly for their talent and tenacity on the court.
Majok Deng’s Insightful Reflections
Majok Deng, hailed for his stellar performance, revealed the strategic adjustments made by Al Ahly Ly to secure victory. With guidance from Luol Deng, he emphasized the importance of controlling the tempo and adapting to Al Ahly SC’s tactics. Deng’s reflections underscored the team’s collective effort and mindset in overcoming the absence of Kevin Murphy and outplaying a formidable opponent like Al Ahly SC.
Al Ahly Ly Advances, Al Ahly SC Regroups
While Al Ahly SC faces the disappointment of an early exit, Al Ahly Ly’s journey continues as they prepare for the Semifinals. Their triumph serves as a testament to their resilience and strategic acumen, setting the stage for an exhilarating continuation of their BAL campaign.
Al Ahly SC’s defeat at the hands of Al Ahly Ly not only marks a significant upset but also underscores the competitive intensity of the BAL tournament.
Key Performances
Majok Deng: Nearly double-double with game-high 25 points, 9 rebounds.
Robert Golden: Impressive shooting – 23 points, 9 assists, 5-for-9 from three-point range.
Jo-Lual Acuil Jr.: Recorded fourth double-double – 23 points, 11 rebounds.
Mark Lyons: Leading scorer for Al Ahly SC – 8 points, 10 assists.
Al Ahly Ly’s collective effort outplayed Al Ahly SC’s defense.
Courtesy photo
