YAOUNDE (Cameroon) - For two of the four West Division Elite 16 semifinalists, Saturday's games will mean an entry to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season 4.

How can they make it to the BAL? That's what we bring you in this preview piece. 

Al Ahly Benghazi

Al Alhy Benghazi (Libya), Bangui Sporting Club (Central African Republic), Forces Armees et Police (FAP) of Cameroon and FUS Rabat (Morocco) stand firm in the race for the BAL.

Out of the four teams, only FAP has ever been part of the BAL before, a competition launched three years ago that has become synonymous with the continent's premier basketball club's competition.

After three days of fierce competition in the Cameroonian capital of Yaounde, ABC Fighters, BC Virunga, and SLAC were eliminated, leaving these four contenders set to do battle for the coveted BAL.

The two Elite 16 Semi-Finals will be live streamed on FIBA's Youtube Chanel, with addition coverage here on the Road to BAL website.

Find below more details about Saturday's West Division Elite Semi-Finals.

Al Ahly Benghazi v Bangui Sporting Club  17:00 (GMT+1)

Benghazi have reached the the last-four of the qualifiers as the only team without tasting a defeat. The Libyan champions beat FAP and BC Virunga to close their Group A campaign undefeated.

Elite 16 debutant Benghazi built an experienced team with the arrivals of two-time BAL champion Souleyman Diabate, Ater Majok who won the BAL with US Monastir and was named the 2022 BAL Defensive Player of the year, and recruited sharpshooter Chris Crawford who was named to the 2023 All-BAL first team.

Former Detroit Pistons Zachary Lofton is another player making waves in the Elite 16. He has averaged 28.5 points per game, and has emerged as the go-to man for Benghazi.

If Bangui are to avoid trouble and win this highly anticipated game, they ought to force Lofton out of his comfort zone, and make sure Crawford doesn't get into his offensive rhythm. 

But, the Central African Republic champions, who have experienced ups in downs in Group B, have their own weapons capable of giving Benghazi some hard time.

A few fresh legs in Yasser Kamayangue, Evan Ganapamo, Alex Higgins and Bijan Johnson could make a difference for Liz Mills' charges. 

Unlike Benghazi, Bangui, who are playing as hosts in Yaounde despite coming from neighbouring Central African Republic, have been tested before - and failed against FUS Rabat.

Bangui Sporting Club fans

At this stage of the competition they should be able of managing a large and compete for four quarters. If they don't, then their wait for a BAL ticket will extend for a little while. 

Benghazi, on the other hand, are set to face their toughest team in the Elite 16.

While the winners of the Semi-Finals will secure the much sought-after BAL tickets on Saturday, the two losing teams will do battle for the last ticket in the Third-Place Game on Sunday. 

FUS Rabat v FAP  20:00 (GMT+1)

It remains to be seen how FUS Rabat, a team that displayed an impressive combative spirit in Group B, will cope with FAP and their ferocious fanbase which is expected to flock into the Paposy Arena on Saturday.

At first glance, and judging by their Group Phase games, the Rabat-based seems to be more competitive and consistent, but this will only be proven when the two sides take to the floor.

F,A.P

Unlike two-time BAL participant FAP, who reached the BAL Semi-Finals in 2022, FUS Rabat are making their first ever appearance in the West Division Elite 16.

The Cameroonian champions beat BC Virunga, but came up short against Benghazi, leaving them with 1-1 mark ahead of the semis.

Rabat, on the other hand, had a flying start in Group B after beating ABC Fighters and Bangui before falling against SLAC.  

FIBA