In a thrilling African derby on May 31, 2026, Al Ahly Benghazi stunned the Egyptian giants Al Ahly Egypt 106–98 on their home court to claim a significant victory in the FIBA Basketball Africa League (BAL) group stage.

Match Overview

Held at the Cairo International Stadium at 21:00 local time, this highly anticipated clash pitted two clubs sharing the same name and deep North African roots against each other. Al Ahly Egypt, the defending Egyptian champions, entered the contest as favorites, but Al Ahly Benghazi displayed exceptional composure and offensive firepower to overcome a hostile crowd and a strong start from the hosts. The final score of 106–98 reflected a game defined by high-paced transition play and clutch shooting in the fourth quarter.

Key Moments

• First half fireworks: Al Ahly Egypt jumped to an early 12-point lead, fueled by their inside presence, but Benghazi responded with a 15–2 run to close the quarter, trailing just 26–24.
• Third quarter surge: The away side took control in the third period, outscoring the hosts 34–22, with a flurry of three-pointers that left the home defense scrambling.
• Clutch finish: Al Ahly Egypt cut the deficit to 96–94 with three minutes remaining, but Benghazi’s backcourt duo answered with consecutive mid-range jumpers and free throws to seal the win.

Tactical Story

The game was a classic contrast between post-oriented half-court offense and perimeter-based speed. Al Ahly Egypt sought to exploit their size advantage inside, but Benghazi’s zone defense and constant ball pressure disrupted their rhythm. Turnovers proved costly for the home team—they committed 18, leading to 26 points for Benghazi. The away side also dominated fast-break points (22–8), showcasing their athleticism and discipline in transition.

Standout Players

• Al Ahly Benghazi: Their leading scorer poured in 31 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including a crucial step-back three with 1:23 left. The point guard added 8 assists and 4 steals, controlling the tempo throughout.
• Al Ahly Egypt: The home center recorded a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds, but his efforts were undermined by foul trouble and limited second-half touches.
• Benghazi’s bench contributed 32 points, outscoring Egypt’s reserves by a comfortable margin.

Season Impact

The victory propelled Al Ahly Benghazi to a 2–0 record in the BAL group stage, strengthening their position as a top contender for the playoffs. For Al Ahly Egypt, it was a harsh lesson in defensive transition, dropping them to 1–1 and leaving them with little margin for error in the remaining group games. The result also added a new chapter to the growing rivalry between these two historic clubs.

With this performance, Al Ahly Benghazi sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they have the talent and composure to win on the road against the best teams in Africa. The BAL, known for its rising level of competition, witnessed one of its most entertaining games of the 2026 season.