Ferroviario de Maputo book last Basketball Africa League slot

KIGALI(Rwanda) - Mozambican side Ferroviario de Maputo defeated City Oilers from Uganda 74-57 to secure a place in the Basketball Africa League Regular Season set to tip off in March 2020 across the continent. 

Alvaro Calvo Masa scored 20 points and picked eight rebounds with Helton Ubisse adding 18 points and eight rebounds to inspire their side to victory in a game that to their own admission will change everything about their club. 

The first quarter was tied 16-up as both sides played cautiously in the wake of pressure and the fear of making mistakes. This attitude was left in that period as all knuckles came off in the second period to see both sides expressing themselves on both ends of the court. 

"WE STARTED WELL IN THE FIRST QUARTER BECAUSE WE WERE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY READY FOR THIS GAME. WE STAYED FOCUSED THROUGHOUT THE GAME. WE PLAYED GOOD DEFENSE AND REBOUNDED THE BALL WELL."- Macome

Ferroviario led 33-29 at the half time break but the Oilers came back with a good fight in their hands as shooting guard Robinson Opong scored four times behind the arc to bring the scoreline to within four points 52-48 at the end of the third quarter. 

In an interview with FIBA.basketball, Ferroviario coach Milagre Macome said, "We started well in the first quarter even though they played good defense. We were mentally and physically ready for this game and we had to stay focused throughout the game. We played good defense and rebounded the ball well."

"We switched our defense to man-to-man and even though the players were tired at some point because we have played many difficult games this week, we told them to give their all. This victory is for all the people of Mozambique. This is a historic day for us."

 Orlando Novela and Octavio Magolico added 14 and 13 points for Ferroviario  de Maputo as the Mozambican champions etched their name among the elite 12 teams on the African continent. 

Ferroviario de Maputo captain Custodio Muchate said, "We do not play professional basketball in Mozambique so qualifying to the BAL Regular Season this year will change very many things for us as players."

Opong eventually amassed 18 points while Jimmy Enabu added 11 points but without their main star player Jordin Mayes and Devonte Elliott who suffered injuries in their Semi-Final tie on Saturday against Patriots. 

Ferroviario de Maputo now complete the list of 12 teams to take part in the first edition of the Basketball Africa League next year. 

FIBA