Al Ahly Advance To Africa Basketball League Elite 8 Knockout

Al Ahly Advance To Africa Basketball League Elite 8 Knockout

By: Francis Joseph

Al Ahly on Sunday became the second club to advance to the ELITE 8 knock out stage after beating Rwanda Energy Group (REG) 78-76.

The Egyptian champions trailed for most of the encounter, and facing elimination, they found energy where few expected.

Down by five (76-71), Al Ahly outscored the Rwandans 7-0 in the last 02:40' left. With two minutes left Ramy Gunady hit a three-pointer that inspired the Cairo-based club to an astonishing comeback.

Reggie Holmes (Al Ahly)
Reggie Holmes sparked Al Ahly with a team-high 25 points (7 for 15 from behind the arc), Todd O'Brien dominated the paint with 10 points and 14 rebounds and Gunady added 14 points off the bench.

REG shooting guard Kenneth Gasana led all scorers with 29 points and 6 rebounds, Kami Kabange contributed 18 points but a number of unnecessary fouls in the last minutes of the game proved costly for REG, who closed their Group C campaign with a 1-2 mark.

With the win, Al Ahly finish in second place of the group joining Primeiro D'Agosto in the knock out stage of the competition where teams will play home and away games in a attempt to reach the FINAL-Four due in May.

GROUP C final standings :

1. Primeiro D'Agosto (3-0)
2. Al Ahly (2-1)
3. Rwanda Energy Group (1-2)
4. Ferroviario da Beira (0-3)

Report from FIBA was used