Angola’s Petro de Luanda has secured a place in the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) final after edging Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi 94-88 in a high-intensity semi-final clash at BK Arena in Kigali.
The closely fought encounter, played on Thursday evening, May 28, 2026, lived up to expectations as both sides battled fiercely for a spot in the continental showpiece, with Petro de Luanda holding firm in the decisive moments.
The win books Petro de Luanda a final showdown with Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers BBC, scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026, at BK Arena.
The final carries historic significance, marking a rare all–sub-Saharan African final in the BAL and setting the stage for a new chapter in the competition’s history.
Petro de Luanda, one of Africa’s most decorated basketball clubs, will be making its third appearance in a BAL final. The Angolan giants previously lifted the trophy in 2024 after defeating Al Ahly Benghazi in Kigali.
RSSB Tigers, meanwhile, have emerged as the tournament’s breakthrough story. The Rwandan side became the first team from the country to reach the BAL final since the league’s inception in 2021, following a commanding 106-97 semi-final victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly SC.
Their landmark win was driven by standout performances from Oumar Ballo, who was named Player of the Game, alongside Craig Randall and Teafale Lenard Jr., who played decisive roles in the victory.
All eyes now turn to BK Arena for Sunday’s final, where RSSB Tigers will look to complete a historic home triumph, while Petro de Luanda aim to reinforce their continental dominance with another BAL title.
