The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season officially tipped off on Saturday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, with Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers and Egypt’s Al Ittihad securing opening day victories.
Rivers Hoopers dominated Mali’s Stade Malien with a convincing 81-60 win. Kelvin Amayo led the way with 19 points, while Madut Akec contributed a double-double, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Hoopers controlled the glass with a 49-43 rebounding edge and showcased great teamwork on offense, dishing out 19 assists. For Stade Malien, Mahamane Coulibaly scored a team-high 20 points, and Mouhamed Doumbya added 18 points and 11 boards.
In the second matchup, Egypt’s Al Ittihad defeated hosts FUS Rabat 71-60. Former NBA player George King paced the Egyptians with 19 points, while Majok Deng added an impressive 18 points and 12 rebounds. Al Ittihad outmuscled the home side on the boards, finishing with a 52-40 advantage. FUS Rabat’s standout performer was Johnathan Jordan, who poured in 22 points.
One of the day’s major highlights was a halftime performance by Moroccan rapper ElGrandeToto, electrifying the packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex during the FUS Rabat vs. Al Ittihad game.
Sunday delivered even more thrilling action, but things aren’t looking good for the home team. Two games into the 2025 Kalahari Conference, FUS Rabat remains winless—an indication of the fierce competition in their group. Rivers Hoopers have emerged as early favorites, while the local champions face a real challenge to make it out of the group stages.
The Kalahari Conference continues on Tuesday with a much-anticipated clash between the two unbeaten sides, Al Ittihad and Rivers Hoopers. Meanwhile, FUS Rabat will look to bounce back as they face Stade Malien in a crucial matchup.