Jean Jacques Boissy Shines in BAL 2025 Nile Conference Opener Against MBB

The 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference qualifiers tipped off in style on Saturday, May 17th, at 2:30 PM CAT in Kigali, Rwanda, with Al Ahli Tripoli from Libya defeating MBB of South Africa in an electrifying opener, 87–77.

The star of the game was Senegalese point guard Jean Jacques Boissy, who delivered a sensational performance for Al Ahli. Boissy finished as the game’s top scorer with 28 points, Among his impressive 28 points, Boissy nailed eight three-pointers, powering his team to a crucial opening victory.

Although currently representing Al Ahli Tripoli in the BAL, Boissy is well known to Rwandan basketball fans, as he also plays for REG BBC in the Rwandan national league.

Al Ahli dominated the first three quarters, taking early control of the match. They won the first quarter 20–15, widened the gap in the second with a 25–18 run, and edged the third 19–17. MBB showed resilience in the final quarter, outscoring Al Ahli 27–23, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit.

MBB’s standout performer was Jovan Mooring, who kept his team in the fight with an impressive 26 points.

Boissy’s long-range shooting display was just one three-pointer shy of the BAL single-game record of nine, set by William Perry in 2023 while playing for Ferroviario da Beira against SLAC.

The Nile Conference features four teams, each set to play six games in a round-robin format from May 17th to May 25th. Every team will face one another twice, with each result playing a crucial role in qualifying for the BAL Playoffs.

With this commanding start, Boissy and Al Ahli Tripoli have set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive week of basketball in Kigali.

A story by Gentil RAFIKI.