6 days ago
Basketball playoffs: Al-Ahly Benghazi takes a 2–0 lead
Al-Ahly Benghazi has taken a commanding 2–0 lead over rivals Al-Ahly Tripoli in the opening matches of the Libyan Basketball Premier League finals.
Due to renovations at the Suleiman Al-Darrat Hall, the first two games of the playoffs were held at Al-Hilal Club's arena in Benghazi. Last season's runner-up, Al-Ahly Benghazi, clinched a nail-biting first win (82–80).
Defending champions and African title-holders Al-Ahly Tripoli struggled without their injured captain Mohamed Al-Saadi. The team also faced difficulties with the delayed chemistry between Americans McClough and Vital, coupled with underwhelming performances from Nassim Badrosh, Wagdi Omran, and Anis Al-Mansouri.
Al-Ahly Benghazi capitalized again in game 2, securing a more comfortable victory (80–68), widening the gap to two games in the best-of-five playoffs.
According to the finals, the next three games will move to the Tripoli Arena, starting Friday, with no audience. Coach Fouad Abou Chacra's Tripoli side will be hoping for a leave-it-all-on-the-court comeback to claim their ninth title. Meanwhile, fellow Lebanese coach Joe Ghattas will be aiming to seal the playoffs with a third consecutive win and deny the capital's team a chance for a fourth or decisive fifth game.
The championship follows a best-of-five format, with the first team to secure three victories crowned Libyan champions.
