Abidjan Ramblers make history, beat Lagos Warriors to win first African Basketball League

Second season dunks off October

Cote d’Ivoire Basketball clubside, Abidjan Ramblers, at the weekend defeated Lagos Warriors 61 to 52 to win the inaugural African Basketball League.

The final game, which was tagged ‘Abidjan Basketball Challenge,’ took place at the Palais Des Sports De Treichville, Abidjan, saw both teams struggling to gain points at the beginning of the encounter.

The Lagosians tried to overpower the home team in the first five minutes of the tie, but the experienced Abidjan Ramblers’ defenders thwarted their plans. Half time scores stood at 31 to 25 in favour of the home team.

After getting much pep talk from their coach, the Warriors attackers, led by Savadogo Mamadou Freeland Anthony, fought hard to draw level 34 to 34 in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

The Ivoirians, who were hungry to win the tie, relied on the fighting power of Wells Marcus and team captain, Jourdain Allou, however, defied the spirited efforts of the Warriors’ solid defence, winning by a close 50 to 45 points in the last duration of the game.

Supported by the large numbers of their home fans, the Abidjan Ramblers pilled pressure on the Nigeria team and eventually ran away with a 61to 52 victory.

Abidjan Ramblers Captain, Jourdain Allou, said after the game that victory was a great achievement for the team.

“We worked hard for this victory. Abidjan Ramblers has made history by winning the inaugural African Basketball League. The league has helped the players to get more exposure in the game of basketball.

“We thank the organizers of the league for putting up the ABL because it has given the players enough privilege to earn a living while playing in Africa like our NBA counterparts,” he said.