FAP of Cameroon survived two late comebacks to defeat DR Congo's Onatra 72-64 in double overtime on Saturday, the first game of the 2027 Road to BAL season to go beyond regulation. The match in Brazzaville swung on a missed free throw and a clutch three-pointer.
With 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter, FAP's Josue Ekani had a chance to seal victory from the line but made only one of two shots, leaving the score tied at 49-49 and sending the game into overtime. In the first extra period, Onatra looked in control until FAP's Bill Foledou hit a three to tie the game at 60-60 and force a second overtime. FAP dominated the second extra period, outscoring Onatra 12-4 to secure their first win in Group C.
Noe Cuma led all scorers with 19 points and 10 rebounds for Onatra, while Andre Bonazebi added 6 points and 13 rebounds. For FAP, Boris Kouandjo came off the bench to contribute 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Yann Fondou chipped in 13 points and 8 rebounds. FAP shot 37% from the floor to Onatra's 32%, and scored 21 points off 20 Onatra turnovers. The FAP bench also dominated, outscoring Onatra's reserves 43-14.
Both teams return to action on Sunday. FAP face Gabon's Espoir Basket Club, while Onatra take on hosts Avenir du Rail.
