RSBB Tigers, boiling hot novices
This year, Rwanda has sent a new representative. Exit the APR, make way for the RSBB Tigers. And the least we can say is that the Tigers have some bite. During their first two outings, they outclassed their opponents. First, they beat the Libyans of Al Ahly in the opening match on Friday (103-95). Then, this Sunday, they took the lead against Petro Luanda 82-78. The Rwandans have therefore beaten the two favourites of this Kalahari conference and are thus approaching a qualification for the Final 8.
Another team to have won their first two matches, Dar City. The Tanzanians initially outclassed the South Africans of Johannesburg Giants 100-70, before taking over from Nairobi City Thunder 90-85.
Disappointing favorites
There are two teams that were expected as the big favorites of this Kalahari conference: Petro Luanda and Al Ahly. And for the moment, both disappoint. The Angolans, who have played 3 of the last 4 finals of the BAL (with one victory in 2024), count a victory against Al Ahly (104-90) and a setback against the RSBB Tigers. On the other hand, Al Ahly lost his first two outings. The Libyans must therefore react quickly to avoid leaving the tournament from the beginning.
The Johannesburg Giants, who play on home soil, are also lagging behind at the start of the tournament with two defeats in as many outings.
The players who shone
While each team has played two matches, we can make a small assessment regarding individual performances. Thus, David Michineau (Dar City) is the leader in scoring with an average of 33 points per game. On the rebound, the leader is Mangok Mathiang (RSBB Tigers) who displays 16.5 rebounds per encounter. He managed to recover 23 rebounds against Al Ahly. However, Nathi Sibanyoni (Giants) shows the most rebounds in one outing (25).
With 42 points, Jo Lual Acuil (Al Ahly) currently holds the one-game point record, followed by Teafale Lenard Jr (RSBB Tigers), who scored 37 against Al Ahly.
Hostilities resume this Tuesday, March 31 for the 3rd day of this Kalahari conference.
Programme and match results of the Kalahari Conference (GMT)
Friday 27 March 2026
Al Ahly Ly 95–103 RSBB Tigers
Johannesburg Giants 70–100 Dar City
Saturday 28 March 2026
Dar City 90–85 Nairobi City Thunder
Petro de Luanda 104–90 Al Ahly Ly
Sunday 29 March 2026
Petro de Luanda 78–82 RSBB Tigers
Johannesburg Giants 65–71 Nairobi City Thunder
Tuesday 31 March 2026
17h: Dar City – Al Ahly Ly
Wednesday 1 April 2026
14h: Nairobi City Thunder – Petro de Luanda
17h: RSBB Tigers – Johannesburg Giants
Friday 3 April 2026
14h: Nairobi City Thunder – Al Ahly Ly
17h: Petro de Luanda – Dar City
Saturday 4 April 2026
1 PM: Dar City – RSBB Tigers
16h: Al Ahly Ly – Johannesburg Giants
Sunday 5 April 2026
1 PM: RSBB Tigers – Nairobi City Thunder
16h: Petro de Luanda – Johannesburg Giants
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À propos de l'auteur
Philemon MBALE
Rédacteur sportif
Passionné de sport depuis toujours, partage avec vous les dernières actualités et analyses du monde sportif.