KIGALI, Rwanda – RSSB Tigers BBC made history on Sunday by becoming the first Rwandan club to win the Basketball Africa League (BAL) title after defeating Angola’s Petro de Luanda 90-88 in a thrilling final at BK Arena.
The BAL 2026 final, held on May 31, attracted 6,629 spectators, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who attended alongside BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, FIBA Africa President Anibal Aurelio Manave, and other dignitaries.
The event began with a vibrant cultural performance featuring traditional Rwandan dances, entertaining fans who had earlier witnessed Libya’s Al Ahly defeat Egypt’s Al Ahly 106-98 in the third-place playoff.
RSSB Tigers, making their first-ever appearance in the BAL, endured a difficult start to the championship game. Petro de Luanda dominated the opening six minutes, racing to a 20-point lead before the Rwandan side managed to score. The Angolan champions finished the first quarter ahead 27-16.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter as Craig Randall II sparked a remarkable comeback. The guard scored more than 13 points within the opening five minutes of the quarter, while Mangok Mathiang anchored the defense to help level the score at 37-37.
Driven by strong support from the home crowd, RSSB Tigers took control in the closing minutes of the first half, entering the break with a 42-37 advantage.
During halftime, Nigerian music star Olamide entertained fans with performances of some of his popular hits, including Infinity, Issa Goal, Bobo, and Motigbana.
Coached by Henry Dennis Newton Mwinuka, assisted by Kenneth Gasana and James Edward Maye Jr., RSSB Tigers maintained their momentum in the third quarter. Teafale Lenard Jr. made crucial contributions, helping the team preserve its lead despite efforts from Petro de Luanda’s Aboubakar Gakou, who kept the Angolan side within reach. The quarter ended with RSSB Tigers leading 61-59.
Early in the fourth quarter, Gakou suffered an injury and was temporarily forced off the court. His replacement, Cleusio Castro, immediately made an impact, helping Petro de Luanda regain the lead and move four points ahead with seven minutes remaining.
However, the packed BK Arena crowd rallied behind the home team, inspiring RSSB Tigers to stage another comeback. Led by Craig Randall II, the Rwandan champions overturned the deficit and built a five-point advantage in the final minutes.
Petro de Luanda coach Sergio Valdeolmillos Moreno reintroduced Gakou in an attempt to rescue the game, but RSSB Tigers held firm to secure a historic 90-88 victory and claim the BAL 2026 championship.
Following the triumph, Craig Randall II was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Mangok Mathiang received the award for Best Defensive Player.
The victory marks a landmark achievement for Rwandan basketball, with RSSB Tigers becoming the first club from Rwanda to lift the prestigious Basketball Africa League trophy.
