Liberian basketball star Thomas Bropleh delivered a standout performance on Saturday, leading FC Porto to the XLI Mário Saldanha Super Cup. The Portuguese champions rallied from a 10-point deficit to defeat Sporting CP 80-76 in Albufeira. Bropleh was instrumental in Porto's second-half surge, earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He scored a game-high 20 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out four assists, and made two steals.
Bropleh's impressive performance capped a memorable evening for Porto, as the club opened the 2026/27 season by capturing its ninth Portuguese Basketball Super Cup trophy. The Liberian forward posted the highest efficiency rating of the match, finishing with a valuation of 23. He shot 8-of-13 from the floor, anchoring Porto's offense during a difficult opening half. His consistent scoring kept the Dragons within striking distance while Sporting dominated the early tempo.
Sporting controlled the opening stages, taking a 26-22 lead in the first quarter and extending their advantage during a dominant second period. They outscored Porto 15-9, establishing a 41-31 cushion by halftime. This was largely due to defensive lapses by the defending national champions. However, Porto returned from the break with renewed defensive intensity, steadily cutting into Sporting's lead.
Porto took the third quarter 20-11, trimming the deficit to 52-51 heading into the final period. The momentum shifted completely in the fourth quarter, with Porto pouring in 29 points while limiting Sporting to 24. They took the lead in the closing minutes and executed down the stretch to secure the 80-76 victory. Bropleh's teammates, Corey Allen-Williams and Gonçalo Delgado, scored 11 points each, while Xeyrius Williams and Tanner Omlid added nine points apiece.
On the other side, Gabriel Kalscheur led Sporting with 17 points, supported by Javian Davis, who scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Francisco Amarante posted a near triple-double with 12 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite a strong effort, Sporting could not maintain their early lead, ultimately falling short.
The final was highlighted by a ceremony honoring Mário Saldanha, the former Portuguese Basketball Federation (FPB) leader whose name the competition carries. Saldanha was presented with his diploma as an Honorary Member of the FPB by Vice-President Nuno Manaia, alongside other dignitaries. This tribute added to the significance of the event, celebrating both the game and the contributions of key figures in Portuguese basketball.
With the Super Cup secured, FC Porto turns its focus to the domestic campaign. The champions will open their Portuguese Basketball League season against CA Queluz on Friday at the Pavilhão Henrique Miranda. The team will look to build on their momentum from the Super Cup, with Bropleh and his teammates aiming to make a strong impact in the league.
Key points
- Thomas Bropleh scored a game-high 20 points, earning him the MVP award.
- FC Porto captured its ninth Portuguese Basketball Super Cup trophy.
- The Super Cup win sets the stage for Porto's Portuguese Basketball League season opener against CA Queluz.
