RSSB Tigers BBC have written history after becoming the first Rwandan team to reach the final of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), following a thrilling 106–97 victory over Al Ahly last night at BK Arena.
The highly competitive semifinal, played on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, attracted 6,530 fans and was attended by President Paul Kagame.
The game started evenly, with both sides tied 24–24 in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Oumar Ballo and Craig Randall boosted Tigers’ scoring, but Al Ahly responded strongly through Kelvin Murphy and Nuni Omot. The first half ended level at 50–50.
RSSB Tigers regained momentum in the third quarter, with Teafale Lenard Jr and Mangok Mathiang leading the attack. However, Al Ahly fought back late in the quarter through Zachary Lofton, reducing the gap as Tigers led 80–76 going into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, the Rwandan side maintained intensity, with Antino Jackson, Mangok Mathiang, and Teafale Lenard Jr extending the lead to 94–84. Al Ahly’s hopes faded further when key player Nuni Omot fouled out after accumulating five personal fouls.
RSSB Tigers held firm in the closing minutes to seal a historic 106–97 win, confirming their place in the final in their debut appearance in the competition.
They will face the winner between Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly (Libya) on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
