The Angolan side overturned a five-point deficit in the final quarter, with Lukeny Gonçalves and Childe Dundao leading the comeback in a thrilling semifinal clash.
Al Ahly Benghazi made the brighter start to the game, with Donovan Williams inspiring the Libyan side offensively as they established an early advantage. However, Gonçalves helped Petro de Luanda reduce the gap late in the opening quarter, which ended with Al Ahly narrowly leading 24-23.
The second quarter remained closely contested, with both teams exchanging baskets throughout. Dundao and Lual Acuil played key roles for their respective sides as neither team managed to create significant separation. Al Ahly went into halftime holding a slim 48-43 advantage.
After the break, Charles Edward Moore and Raphael Putney continued to drive the scoring for both teams in another evenly balanced quarter. Each side scored 22 points in the third period, allowing Al Ahly to maintain a 70-65 lead heading into the final quarter.
Petro de Luanda, however, showed their experience and composure when it mattered most. Gonçalves and Dundao stepped up with crucial baskets as the Angolan champions dominated the closing minutes to complete the comeback victory.
The win sends Petro de Luanda into the BAL 2026 final, where they will face Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers on Sunday, May 31. Meanwhile, Al Ahly Benghazi will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the third-place playoff.
President Paul Kagame and several other dignitaries attended the semifinal at BK Arena.
The final is expected to deliver another exciting contest, pitting an impressive RSSB Tigers side against one of the most experienced clubs in BAL history.
Petro de Luanda won the BAL title in 2024 and have consistently remained among the tournament’s top-performing teams, having finished third in 2021, runners-up in 2022, fourth in 2023, and runners-up again last season in 2025 after losing the final to Al Ahli Tripoli.
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