Abidjan is about to experience a great basketball moment. From November 5 to 10, 2024, the Ivorian economic capital will host the second phase of the qualifiers for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025, entitled “Elite 16”.
This large-scale event, organized by the Abidjan Basket Club (ABC), will be held at the Palais des Sports in Treichville and will bring together the best teams from the West and East divisions of the continent.
The information was given this Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the headquarters of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) located in Treichville.
After an impressive performance in Tripoli (Lebanon) during the first phase of the qualifiers, where ABC dominated its group with three victories in as many matches, the champion club of Côte d’Ivoire is determined to secure a place for the phase of groups of the BAL 2025. Only the first three teams of this Elite 16 will obtain their ticket for the rest of the competition.
ABC president Touré Boubakari is confident about his team’s chances. With the advantage of playing at home, the club will be able to count on the unconditional support of its supporters to achieve this ambitious objective.
Indeed, on an organizational level, the ABC obtained, with the support of the Ivorian Basketball Federation (FIBB), the possibility of hosting this prestigious event. This decision demonstrates the confidence placed in the organizational expertise of Côte d’Ivoire, particularly after the success of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).
The tournament will bring together renowned teams such as Spintex Knights, Stade Malien, Al Ahli Tripoli and of course, ABC and other teams awaiting their qualification. While the teams from the West division are already known, we will have to wait until November 2 to find out which teams from the East division will participate in this event. The teams are expected in Abidjan from November 3.
The president of the ABC also insisted on the importance of mobilizing supporters and the public to make this event a true celebration of basketball. ”I would like to appeal to basketball lovers and the general public to take over the Palais des Sports in Treichville. Every day, surprise artists and comedians will be there to entertain you,” he said.
The advisor to the FIBB president, Boly Charles, also expressed his support for the organizers, emphasizing the importance of this event for the promotion of basketball in Côte d’Ivoire. ”Today, basketball places Côte d’Ivoire at the heart of attention. We are committed to working alongside the ABC to ensure that the objective of qualification is achieved,” he said.
The ABC will also be able to count on a strong reinforcement for this decisive phase: Sidibé Bouraïma, new recruit of the club. This experienced player strengthens an already very competitive team, ready to do anything to achieve its objective.
The Elite 16 therefore promises to be an intense and thrilling competition, with a major challenge for the ABC: obtaining a place among the best teams on the continent and continuing the adventure towards the BAL 2025. Abidjan, host city, s I’m ready to experience strong moments and vibrate to the rhythm of African basketball.
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