KINSHASA (DR Congo) – Moanda BB began their Road to BAL 2026 campaign on Sunday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, with a determined 73-67 win over hosts ASB New Generation.
Despite the crowd's overwhelming support for the Congolese team, the Gabonese side took their time to find their rhythm. Once they did, however, there was no stopping them as they steadily pushed their way to victory.
Led by Cameroon’s Cédric Tsangue Kenfack, who dominated with a double-double performance (19 points and 11 rebounds), Moanda BB still experienced some anxious moments. However, they always managed to stay within reach, even when trailing by five points.
ASB New Generation proved to be tough opponents and showed that they cannot be underestimated. The last two quarters, which ended 18–18 and 14–14 respectively, revealed a team determined to fight until the very end.
TURNING POINT: After a relatively cautious start, during which they took a two-point lead (19–17) at the end of the first quarter, Moanda BB were met with a strong response from ASB New Generation.
The Congolese team pulled ahead by as many as five points (29–24) thanks to Glory Kabemba Mukendi and Michael Tshibende.
However, André Reverend Bonazebi Kiminou orchestrated Moanda's comeback with a mid-range jumper, and then Désiré Victoire Mouzita Mboukou tied the game with a three-pointer (29–29).
This sparked an 11–5 run, allowing the Gabonese to win the second quarter 22–18 and head into halftime with a six-point lead (41–35).
From then on, the game tilted in favour of the visitors, who held firm despite constant pressure from the hosts. Omari Gudul Mulomba's 20 points and Deo Mwanyimi's 18 were not enough to turn the tide for ASB New Generation.
HERO: Cameroonian forward Cédric Tsangue Kenfack spearheaded Moanda BB’s offensive efforts, achieving a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes and 15 seconds on the court.
The two-time BAL participant with FAP was efficient from the field, shooting 6-for-9, and his accuracy from the free-throw line — 7 out of 9 — proved decisive.
STATS DON’T LIE: One of the cornerstones of Moanda BB’s win was their impressive free-throw efficiency — 20 out of 28. In contrast, ASB New Generation struggled in that area, making only 14 out of 25 attempts.
The visiting team’s dominance in the paint was also crucial, with 42 points scored inside.
However, Moanda BB will need to improve their performance from beyond the arc, having made only three out of 14 attempts. They will have to shoot better against New Tech Bantdu.
BOTTOM LINE: Moanda BB are back on the Road to BAL, having last appeared in the Elite 16 in 2025 via a FIBA Africa wild card.
This time, the Gabonese team seems better prepared to advance to the next stage. A second consecutive victory — which they will be aiming for against New Tech Bantou — would likely secure them a place among the top 16 teams in the West Division.
ASB New Generation, on the other hand, will use their rest day tomorrow to reconsider their strategy and get back on track.
FIBA