Petro or D'Agosto? Two African giants set to battle for place in FINAL-FOUR
LUANDA (Angola) - In an all-Angolan duel, Primeiro D'Agosto and Petro Atletico de Luanda open a two-game series on Friday to determine the first participant in the FIBA Africa Basketball League 2019 Final-Four.
The two-game series will see Petro Atletico de Luanda hosting their local and continental arch-rival in the first-leg on Friday before visiting D'Agosto in two weeks' time (April 5th).
More than a clash between two Angolan giants based in the capital city of Luanda, this is a clash of two African heavyweights.
As winners of eight African titles, D'Agosto are regarded as the continent's most successful club, while Petro Atletico chase their third FIBA Africa success after winning it in 2006 and 2015.
Petro Atletico de Luanda lifted the 2015 FIBA Africa Champions Cup hosted by D'Agosto
D'Agosto head to Friday's clash following a successful Group Phase where they beat all their three Group C opponents, while Petro Atletico de Luanda claimed a 2-1 mark.
Separated by a single point at this year's Angolan League regular season, the winner of Friday will boost their chances for the second-leg.
However, similarities between these two African giants go far beyond the battle for the Angolan and African title.
These are the main provider of players for the Angolan national team, making this encounter a sample of possible participants at the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.
Half of the Angolan national team play either for D'Agosto or Petro Atletico de Luanda
Coached by former Angolan international Paulo Macedo, D'Agosto seem slightly favourite (at least in theory), especially after humbling FIBA Africa Basketball League title contender Al Ahly of Egypt in Cairo last month.
Having electrifying and scoring-machine Emmanuel Quezada helps D'Agosto dream high, and the recent signing of Andre Harris has strengthened a team that last lifted the continental trophy in 2013.
However, Petro Atletico de Luanda have made a number of changes since their Group D campaign in Madagascar - including the signings of Angolan international Carlos Morais and the arrival of Kendall Gray.
@petroatletico's new recruit, @6foot9foot @AfricaLeague https://t.co/8yHpcMYYBs
— Angola Basketball (@AngolanBasket) March 21, 2019
The D'Agosto v Petro Atletico de Luanda will be broadcast live on FIBA Youtube Channel on Friday.
FIBA
