In a powerful display of confidence and cohesion, Rwanda’s APR announced their arrival as serious contenders in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs with a resounding 75-57 victory over defending champions Petro de Luanda on Saturday in Pretoria, South Africa.
From the second quarter on, APR were in total control—executing with purpose, defending with grit, and showcasing the depth and chemistry that have defined their campaign. What began as a shaky start quickly turned into a commanding performance, as APR found their rhythm and never looked back.
The game opened with nerves and missed opportunities on both sides. But once APR settled in, their intent was clear. The turning point came midway through the second quarter when Aliou Diarra, back to full strength, brought the APR bench to its feet with a thunderous dunk that gave his side a 25-23 lead. From that moment on, the Lions seized the momentum and dictated the pace.
Backed by the return of Diarra and the leadership of 2023 BAL MVP Nuni Omot, APR’s fluid ball movement and physical presence overwhelmed Petro. They extended their lead to 37-28 late in the first half before heading into the break with a 37-33 advantage.
The third quarter was pure APR basketball. Diarra dominated both ends of the court, finishing strong in the paint and controlling the boards. Omot found his groove offensively, and center Youssou Ndoye turned the paint into a no-go zone for Petro’s attack. APR outscored their opponents decisively in the quarter and entered the final frame with a 61-46 cushion.
What stood out most was APR’s composure. They didn’t just ride a hot streak—they sustained it. Their defense remained tight, their rotations crisp, and their confidence never wavered. Every possession reflected a team playing with belief, poise, and the hunger to make history.
Diarra was at the heart of it all. The big man finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 steals—statistically dominant, but even more influential as a presence on the court. His return to full strength has clearly elevated APR’s ceiling.
“The things he does are incredible,” teammate Obadiah Noel said after the game. “He’s so dominant on both sides of the floor. To have him back healthy is a game-changer.”
Though Petro struck a few notes of resistance, the outcome was never in doubt after the break. APR held firm, closed out strong, and walked off the court in Pretoria with their most complete performance of the season.
With this emphatic win, APR did more than just punch their ticket to the next round—they made a statement. In their first-ever appearance on Africa’s biggest basketball stage, APR played with the confidence and composure of seasoned contenders. On the court in Pretoria, they didn’t just defeat the reigning champions—they dominated them, leaving no doubt that they belong among the BAL’s elite.