In a landmark moment for African basketball, Alahli Tripoli clinched the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Championship with an impressive 88-67 victory over Petro de Luanda from Angola. The final was held at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, in front of a record-breaking crowd. This victory not only secured Alahli Tripoli’s place in history as the first Libyan team to win the BAL Championship but also solidified their status as one of Africa’s premier basketball clubs.

The championship game, which was broadcast to fans in 214 countries across 17 languages, saw Alahli Tripoli take control early, with standout performances from their star player Jean Jacques Boissy. His efforts earned him the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy, making him the 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player. Boissy’s dynamic play also made him the 2025 BAL Scoring Champion, with averages of 18.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game.

A Historic Run

Alahli Tripoli’s journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. The team posted a 9-1 record during the Nile Conference group phase and throughout the Playoffs, showcasing their resilience and skill. In the quarterfinals, they defeated Cape Verde’s Kriol Star, and in the semifinals, they overcame Rwanda’s APR to advance to the final. Their victory also made them the first team in BAL history to win both the conference and the championship in the same season.

On the other hand, Petro de Luanda put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short in the final. They were led by Patrick Gardner Jr., who had an impressive season, and Souleyman Diabate, who earned the 2025 BAL Sportsmanship Award for his exemplary character both on and off the court.

Recognizing Outstanding Performances

Following the game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave presented Alahli Tripoli with the BAL Championship Trophy. For the first time in league history, the champions received championship rings, a tradition associated with global basketball excellence.

In addition to Boissy’s MVP honor, the league announced the winners of several prestigious awards:

• 2025 BAL Coach of the Year: Abou Chacra Joseph Fouad of Alahli Tripoli, who guided the team to a perfect record in the group stage and the championship title.

• 2025 Defensive Player of the Year: Aliou Diarra of APR, who became the first player in BAL history to win the award twice.

• 2025 BAL Sportsmanship Award: Souleyman Diabate of Petro de Luanda, who exemplified the ideals of sportsmanship.

All-BAL Selections

The 2025 All-BAL First Team and All-BAL Defensive Team recognized some of the standout performers of the season:

2025 All-BAL First Team:

• Jean Jacques Boissy (Alahli Tripoli)

• Jaylen Adams (Alahli Tripoli)

• Majok Machar Deng (Al Ittihad)

• Patrick Gardner Jr. (Petro de Luanda)

• Aliou Diarra (APR)

2025 All-BAL Defensive Team:

• Jean Jacques Boissy (Alahli Tripoli)

• Obadiah Noel (APR)

• Caleb Agada (Alahli Tripoli)

• Teafale Lenard Jr. (Made by Basketball, South Africa)

• Aliou Diarra (APR)

The Ubuntu Award: A Legacy Beyond the Court

The 2025 BAL Ubuntu Award went to Joel Almeida of Kriol Star Basketball (Cape Verde), recognized for his efforts to use basketball to positively impact the lives of youth in his home country. Almeida’s basketball camps and clinics have reached over 100 aspiring players and coaches, particularly from underserved communities. His work extends far beyond the court and embodies the spirit of community and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 BAL Championship now concluded, Alahli Tripoli’s victory stands as a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the power of sports to unite people across borders. The record attendance of 141,564 fans throughout the season and the growing global exposure of the league showcase the rapid expansion of basketball in Africa.

As the Basketball Africa League continues to grow, the accomplishments of Alahli Tripoli, Jean Jacques Boissy, and the other award winners serve as inspiration for players and fans alike. The 2025 BAL Championship marks another historic chapter in the league’s young yet exciting history, and the future looks even brighter for African basketball.