After a heartwarming opening game victory over JCA Kings of Cote d’Ivoire in the Sahara Conference of the ongoing Basketball Africa League (BAL), Nigeria’s flagbearers, Maktown Flyers, lost to hosts, FUS Rabat of Morocco, in their second game over the weekend.

Maktown Flyers, making their debut in the championship, defeated JCA Kings 76–68 to begin their campaign on an impressive note. But they were brought down to earth at the weekend by Morocco’s FUS Rabat, who delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Nigerians 97–72 in front of a home crowd.

The game played at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat saw the Moroccan team controlling the game throughout, extending their unbeaten start to the conference and reinforcing their status as early contenders for a top-four finish.

Abdoulaye Harouna and Will Perry combined for 50 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, while the whole team converted 50 per cent of their shots.    The Flyers, led by Tyrell Corbin, got 13 points and five assists, while Ogbodeje Abah contributed 13 points and five rebounds.

The BAL Sahara Conference is for teams strengthening their positions in the race for playoff qualification.

In the first game, Al Ahly of Egypt recorded their first win of the Sahara Conference, defeating ASC Ville de Dakar (Senegal) 76–72.

Al Ahly showed composure down the stretch to secure the victory, handing the Senegalese champions a second consecutive defeat in the conference. Kevin Murphy led the team with 21 points and six rebounds.

Ater Majok led ASC Ville de Dakar, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Tunisia’s Club Africain will take on JCA Kings (Côte d’Ivoire) today, while Maktown Flyers will meet Egypt’s Al Ahli tomorrow.