Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers made history on Wednesday night after defeating Egypt’s Al Ahly SC 106-97 at BK Arena to become the first Rwandan team to reach the Basketball Africa League (BAL) final.
Backed by a roaring home crowd, the Tigers produced a spirited performance led by Oumar Ballo, Craig Randall and Teafale Lenard Jr., who combined for 69 points in a memorable semifinal victory.
Randall delivered another outstanding display, finishing with 30 points and falling just one three-pointer short of equalling his own BAL record of 11 made shots from beyond the arc. Ballo dominated inside the paint with 20 points and 17 rebounds off the bench, while Lenard Jr. marked his return from injury with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The semifinal lived up to expectations, with both sides exchanging momentum throughout a tightly contested encounter. The game remained evenly balanced for long spells before the Tigers pulled away in the closing five minutes to secure the historic win.
RSSB Tigers will now face the winner of Thursday's second semifinal between Petro de Luanda and Al Ahly Ly in the BAL final.
American guard Zack Lofton kept Al Ahly SC in contention for much of the contest despite a quiet first half in which he managed only 10 points. He came alive after the break, repeatedly responding whenever the Tigers threatened to pull away.
Lofton eventually finished with 31 points after shooting 12-for-25 from the floor, including 7-for-17 from three-point range, while also contributing five assists in over 38 minutes on the court.
The match was level at 50-50 at halftime before RSSB Tigers seized control early in the third quarter with an 18-10 scoring run that opened an eight-point advantage.
Al Ahly SC responded strongly and reduced the deficit to just two points early in the fourth quarter, but the Tigers maintained composure under pressure.
Ballo proved unstoppable in the paint, tormenting the Egyptian champions with an efficient 9-for-10 shooting performance close to the basket.
Lenard Jr., who had missed the second leg of the quarterfinals against FUS Rabat through injury, also made an immediate impact with several powerful dunks that energized both teammates and supporters.
Al Ahly SC entered the game with a reshuffled starting lineup, as Ehab Amin replaced Kevin Murphy while Osayi Osifo came in for Omar Oraby. The smaller and quicker lineup helped the Egyptians match the Tigers’ tempo for most of the game.
The opening quarter ended tied at 24-24 before both teams headed into the halftime break level at 50-50. However, it was during the third quarter that RSSB Tigers began to assert control and ultimately shape their path to victory.
The atmosphere inside BK Arena also played a major role, with thousands of home fans creating an electric environment and lifting the Tigers through crucial moments of the contest.