Zambia’s basketball giants Matero Magic has suffered a 90-54 defeat to City Oilers of Uganda in the opening fixture of Group C 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifiers.
In the first quarter of the encounter, the two sides were locked at 19-all owing to both teams exhibiting excellent defensive tactics.
The Mandy Juruni coached Oilers got the better of Magic by converting their three pointer opportunities to move past Magic and lead by 42 – 23 on the interval.
In the third quarter, the Ugandan giants built on the momentum to finish the quarter in their favour with a 67 – 38 lead.
Magic Captain Choongo Chona failed to convert a chance while unmarked to reduce the deficit in the dying minutes of the last quarter.
However, Oilers accrued 9 baskets in quick succession from three pointers to reach the 90 mark.
Magic will face Group C hosts in Army Basketball Club of Tanzania on October 29, 2022 before completing their qualifiers against debutants Urunani Basketball Club of Burundi on Sunday.
By Shem Malinda