YAOUNDE (Cameroon) – Another new team, FUS Rabat has made a successful entry to the Basketball Africa League after beating FAP of Cameroon 78-60 on Saturday at the ongoing Elite 16 Qualifier.

Malian international player Aliou Diarra recorded a double-double of 18 points and 21 rebounds to help the Moroccan champions secure its first-ever BAL ticket.

Diarra's teammate Jonathan Jordan added 17 points and 3 assists, and Badr Azouga contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. 

Diarra, who played through the game with a thigh injury, proved too much to handle as Jean Paul Njiki and Mamadou Doucoure could not contain him.

At some point he could no longer continue, he had to be subbed by Abdelhakim Zouita. 

Not even FAP's fanbase could help the Cameroonian champions stay in the decisive game

TURNING POINT: FAP enjoyed a three-point lead, but the Rabat-based side changed the proceedings to close the game out with the expressive 18-point win. 

HEROES: The 2023 BAL Defensive Player of the Year made everything he possible could to ensure his place in the league next year. His 21 rebounds speak volumes of his tenacity and determination to help the Moroccan champions join the elite of African basketball competition.

For FAP, Etienne Tametong finished with 18 points and 6 rebounds while teammate Cyrille Keumoe added 10 points.

Aliou Diarra

STATS DON'T LIE: FAP's bench was outscored 25-14 in a game that lacked team cohesion, finishing with just 9 assists against Rabat's 21. 

To make matters worse, the Cameroonian champions could only convert 17 of their 31 free-throws attempts.

BOTTOM LINE: FUS Rabat came ready for the game and used the first quarter to access FAP and identify their weaknesses. By the second quarter, they knew exactly how to keep the game to their advantage. They showed more hunger in the game as FAP easily gave up.

With the win, FUS Rabat has become the second team from the Moroccan kingdom - after AS Sale - to qualify for the BAL. 

WHAT THEY SAID: "The feeling of winning is just amazing for us. We played as a team and I believe I brought some energy to the team being the last one to sign for FUS. It’s not about individual work but that of the team and especially the coaches because they did their jobs too." – Prince Orizu of FUS Rabat.

"We lost our chances in offensive rebounds and fast breaks. The long lead they took in the first half proved bad for us and we missed a lot of free throws." – Arnold Kome.

FIBA