CA Faces Tough Opponent in Quarterfinals
By La Presse
The Clubistes have drawn a formidable opponent in the quarterfinals. Two matches to negotiate, especially the first one this afternoon.
Although they topped the Sahara Conference held in Rabat, the CA was seeded as the 4th team before the Kigali playoffs behind Petro Luanda, Al Ahly, and RSSB Tigers. The head-to-head criterion was relegated in favor of point difference, as teams from two different conferences were to be divided. The CA will face the Libyan Al Ahly Benghazi in a two-match series, today and Monday.
Not only does a win count, but also the margin that will separate the two teams in case of a win each.
This is a sort of back-and-forth in two days, a good test of energy and nerves for both teams.
The CA, already on site a few days before the competition, will rely on the same group from the previous phase, reinforced by a Senegalese pivot. Antonio Perez and his assistant Curado know that every point scored or conceded can count in qualifying. They also know that the rotation of the roster in the two matches must be intense and studied to exploit the players' abilities. This is a high level of African basketball, and the CA is well-equipped to handle this double test. Omar Abada remains the team's leader, whose motor depends on the team's overall success.
In a way, the Clubistes' point guard is the one who unlocks the offensive situations, allowing Marnaoui (finally the ideal performance for such a talented player?), Jesse Jones, Channoufi, and Hdidane to find the right shooting positions. Inside, the CA has gained in size with the Cissés, Amine, who help Higgins to manage the game well. They must be careful with rebounds, the team's weak point in the conference phase.
The second ball often returns to the opponents.
Details
Against Ahly Benghazi, the Cissés' team must pay attention to every detail to put all the chances on their side. They must especially avoid blocking when they are in a dominant phase and holding the lead.
With a respectable roster and the qualities of its players, the CA will approach the two matches with confidence. There is no reason to doubt.
