BAL Playoffs 2026 : RSSB Tigers defeat Al Ahly to reach historic first BAL Final

RSSB Tigers continued their remarkable Basketball Africa League 2026 campaign by defeating Al Ahly 106-97 in the semifinals at a packed BK Arena in Kigali, securing the first BAL Finals appearance in club history.

In a high-scoring and entertaining battle, the Tigers pulled away during the final five minutes after the game remained tightly contested for most of the night. The two teams were tied 50-50 at halftime before the Rwandan side gradually took control with its pace, energy, and offensive execution.

The trio of Oumar Ballo, Craig Randall II, and Teafale Lenard Jr led the home side to the historic victory. Ballo dominated the paint with a massive double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds, while Randall once again exploded offensively with 30 points, finishing just one three-pointer short of another BAL record. Returning from injury, Teafale Lenard Jr added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in a huge all-around performance.

On the other side, 2023 BAL champions Al Ahly stayed competitive behind Zack Lofton, who delivered an outstanding performance with 36 points and 5 assists. However, despite Lofton’s offensive brilliance, the Egyptian giants could not withstand the Tigers’ late surge and saw their hopes of returning to the BAL Final come to an end.

With the victory, RSSB Tigers become the first Rwandan club ever to qualify for a BAL Final, continuing a dream season in front of their home fans in Kigali. They will now face the winner of the semifinal clash between Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly in the championship game.