Rivers Hoopers Begin BAL Season with Big Win Over Stade Malien
Rivers Hoopers started their 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) campaign in style, beating Stade Malien of Mali 81-60 in the opening game of the Kalahari Conference.
The match, played on April 5 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, was the first BAL game ever hosted in the Moroccan capital.
The Nigerian side, who finished third in the 2024 season, looked sharp and well-prepared. Canadian-Nigerian guard Kelvin Amayo led the team with 19 points, thrilling the crowd with powerful dunks and earning the Player of the Game award.
South Sudanese forward Madut Akec also impressed, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Raphael Putney added 14 points, Maxi Shamba scored 11, while Peter Olisemeka finished with 9 points and 12 rebounds.
Rivers Hoopers took full advantage of their opponents’ mistakes, scoring from fast breaks and turnovers. Stade Malien, a club with a long history in African basketball, couldn’t keep up with the Hoopers’ pace and energy.
The win is a strong start for the Hoopers, who are aiming to go beyond last year’s performance and reach the BAL final, which will take place in South Africa in June.
Fans were excited on social media, especially on X, as they praised the team’s strong performance and Amayo’s leadership. Rivers Hoopers will next face Egypt’s Al Ittihad and Morocco’s FUS Rabat in the Kalahari Conference.
