RSSB Tigers Make History as First Rwandan Team to Win BAL Title

RSSB Tigers etched their name into African basketball history on Sunday night after defeating Petro de Luanda 90-88 to claim the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title at a packed BK Arena in Kigali. The victory marked a historic milestone for Rwandan basketball, as RSSB Tigers became the first club from the country to lift the prestigious continental trophy. It was also the Tigers’ second victory over Petro de Luanda this season, denying the Angolan giants a chance to secure their second BAL championship. The final appeared headed in Petro’s direction during the opening quarter. The Ango

RSSB Tigers etched their name into African basketball history on Sunday night after defeating Petro de Luanda 90-88 to claim the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title at a packed BK Arena in Kigali. The victory marked a historic milestone for Rwandan basketball, as RSSB Tigers became the first club from the country to lift the prestigious continental trophy. It was also the Tigers’ second victory over Petro de Luanda this season, denying the Angolan giants a chance to secure their second BAL championship. The final appeared headed in Petro’s direction during the opening quarter. The Angolan side stormed to a 20-0 lead, forcing RSSB Tigers head coach Henry Mwinuka to call an early timeout just over two minutes into the contest. Petro’s dominance was largely inspired by Aboubacar Gakou, who scored 15 first-quarter points as his team took a commanding 27-16 lead. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second quarter as RSSB Tigers found their rhythm. After missing his first four attempts, Craig Randall ignited the comeback with a series of three-pointers that energized the home crowd and transformed the atmosphere inside BK Arena. Randall’s shooting display gradually erased the deficit before he drilled another three-pointer to hand RSSB Tigers their first lead of the game at 37-35. The moment sparked wild celebrations among the fans, who sensed history was within reach. Petro’s troubles increased when Gakou, their leading scorer and most influential player, picked up his third foul before halftime. Coach Sergio Valdeomillos was forced to bench him temporarily, disrupting Petro’s momentum as RSSB Tigers capitalized on the opportunity. Growing in confidence with every possession, the Tigers completed a remarkable turnaround and entered halftime with a 42-37 advantage. Petro struggled with turnovers, foul trouble and defensive lapses, allowing the hosts to maintain pressure throughout the contest. Randall finished with a game-high 33 points to lead RSSB Tigers to victory, while Gakou scored 28 points for Petro de Luanda. Despite a spirited effort from the Angolan side, the Rwandan champions held firm in the closing stages to secure a memorable 90-88 win. The triumph crowns a remarkable BAL campaign for RSSB Tigers and represents a defining moment for basketball in Rwanda, with the club becoming the first from the nation to be crowned champions of Africa.