Liberian Thomas Bropleh Leads FC Porto to Ninth Super Cup, Named MVP

MONROVIA — Liberian basketball star Thomas Bropleh delivered a standout performance on Saturday, leading FC Porto to the XLI Mário Saldanha Super Cup after the Portuguese champions rallied from a 10-point deficit to defeat Sporting CP 80-76 in Albufeira.

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By: Christopher C. Walker | Christopher.cwalker@frontpageafricaonline.com

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Bropleh was the catalyst behind Porto’s second-half surge and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final after generating a game-high 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

The individual honor capped a memorable evening for Porto, as the club opened the 2026/27 season by capturing its ninth Portuguese Basketball Super Cup trophy.

Bropleh Shines on the Big Stage

Bropleh posted the highest efficiency rating of the match, finishing with a valuation of 23. The Liberian forward was efficient from the floor, shooting 8-of-13 while 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 Dominates First Half

Sporting controlled the opening stages, taking a 26-22 lead in the first quarter and extending their advantage during a dominant second period, outscoring Porto 15-9.

By halftime, Sporting had established a 41-31 cushion, taking advantage of defensive lapses by the defending national champions.

Porto’s Second-Half Revival

Porto returned from the break with renewed defensive intensity, steadily cutting into Sporting’s lead. The Dragons took the third quarter 20-11 to trim the deficit to 52-51 heading into the final period.

Momentum shifted completely in the fourth quarter. Porto poured in 29 points while limiting Sporting to 24, taking the lead in the closing minutes and executing down the stretch to secure the 80-76 victory.

Supporting Cast and Key Figures

While Bropleh took center stage, Porto received balanced contributions from Corey Allen-Williams and Gonçalo Delgado, who scored 11 points each, while Xeyrius Williams and Tanner Omlid added nine points apiece.

Gabriel Kalscheur led Sporting with 17 points, supported by Javian Davis (15 points, 7 rebounds) and Francisco Amarante, who posted a near triple-double with 12 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists.

Tribute to Mário Saldanha

The final was highlighted by a ceremony honoring Mário Saldanha, the former Portuguese Basketball Federation (FPB) leader whose name the competition carries.

Between the third and fourth quarters, Saldanha was presented with his diploma as an Honorary Member of the FPB by Vice-President Nuno Manaia, alongside dignitaries including Albufeira Vice-President Jorge Carmo, FPB Technical Director Paulo Neta, Algarve Basketball Association President Eduardo Cruz, and former FPB President Manuel Fernandes.

Eyes on the League Title

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.