The BAL: Zamalek Wins Inaugural Basketball Africa League

By Edmund Kagire

EGYPTIAN SIDE ZAMALEK

overcame Tunisian and African champions US Monastir in a highly electric fi nal of the fi rst edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) on Sunday at Kigali Arena.

The Egyptian White Knights beat US Monastir, who were the favourites going into the fi nal, 76-63, to lift the Baobab tree-shaped BAL trophy for the fi rst time in a game which was watched by President Paul Kagame, BAL founder Amadou Gallo Fall and a Singer Bruce Melodie host of NBA guests, including legend Dikembe Mutombo.

Star player Walter Hodge won the Hakeem

Olajuwon MVP Award, making him the fi rst player to become the fi rst MVP of the BAL.

Basketball Africa League unveils offi cial logo in Kigali, Rwanda with President Kagame and BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall President Paul Kagame of Rwanda watches the Finals

Hodge, who was instrumental in the Zamalek comeback towards the end of the second quarter, scored 12 points while Ivorian star Mouloukou Souleyman Diabate racked up 14 points, including a series of 3 pointers which gave Zamalek confi dence.

In the end, it is the Egyptian side that emerged victorious, lifting the very fi rst edition of the BAL, which was superbly organised in Kigali. Singer Bruce Melodie who did the offi cial song ‘Game On’ performed while several stars including South African singer Sho Madjozi and Nigerian singer Fireboy DML were in attendance. www.ktpress.rw/2021/05/the-bal-zamalek-winsinaugural-basketball-africa-league/ www.facebook.com/watch/?v=135773795281353