RSSB Tigers head coach Henry Mwinuka has expressed confidence that his side can go on to win the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026 title after the Rwandan club secured a historic place in the championship final on Wednesday night.

The Tigers defeated Egypt’s Al Ahly SC 106-97 in a thrilling semifinal played before a sold-out BK Arena in Kigali, becoming the first Rwandan team ever to reach a BAL final — and achieving the feat in their debut appearance in the competition.

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Craig Randall II led the scoring with 30 points, while center Oumar Ballo produced a dominant display off the bench with 20 points and 17 rebounds. Teafale Lenard Jr., returning from injury, also made a major contribution with 19 points.

Speaking after the game, Mwinuka said the celebrations inside the dressing room reflected the importance of the achievement for both the club and the country.

"I’m so happy. People went crazy in the locker room,” Mwinuka said during the post-match press conference.

"I’m happy for the players, for the history, for myself as head coach of RSSB Tigers, and for the fans.”

"The first round in South Africa made people believe in us after we finished top of the conference. As a nation, I cannot let the supporters down. I believe we are going to win the final and make even more history,” he added.

RSSB Tigers finished top of the BAL Kalahari Conference with an unbeaten record during the competition held at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Rwandan side will now await the winner of Thursday’s second semifinal between Angola’s Petro de Luanda and Libya’s Al Ahly Ly.

The BAL 2026 final is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, at BK Arena in Kigali.