Rwanda’s representatives, the RSSB Tigers, made a historic and confident debut at the Basketball Africa League 2026, overcoming Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi 103–95 in their opening Kalahari Conference clash in Pretoria.
The game, played on Friday, March 27 at the SunBet Arena, marked RSSB Tigers’ first-ever appearance in the BAL—and they announced themselves in style with a statement victory.
Despite Al Ahly Benghazi entering the contest as favorites, having finished runners-up in the 2024 edition, Tigers showed composure and control from the outset, leading the game from start to finish.
They set the tone early, taking the first quarter 35–27. Although Al Ahly edged the second quarter 20–17, Tigers maintained a 52–47 lead going into halftime.
After the break, the Rwandan side tightened their grip on the game, winning the third quarter 26–19 to extend their advantage. Al Ahly claimed the final quarter 29–25, but it proved insufficient to deny Tigers a well-earned 103–95 win.
Standout performer Leonard Craig Randall II powered Tigers with an impressive 37 points, while Donovan Kennedy Williams led Al Ahly with 28 points.
Other teams competing in the Kalahari Conference include Johannesburg Giants, Al Ahly Tripoli, Dar City, Nairobi City Thunder and Petro de Luanda.
RSSB Tigers return to action on Sunday, March 29, where they will face Petro de Luanda in what promises to be another high-stakes encounter.
The top four teams from each conference will advance to the playoffs scheduled in Kigali from May 22 to 31, 2026.
