BK Arena in Kigali is hosting the first leg of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026 quarter-finals, featuring Egypt’s Al Ahly against Senegal’s AS Ville de Dakar. At 19:00 local time, another game will feature Rwanda’s Tigers against FUS de Rabat. The BAL games are scheduled from 22nd to 31st May.
FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave praised Rwanda’s continued role in hosting the BAL over the past six years, describing Kigali as a key home for African basketball. He highlighted Rwanda’s strong organization and professionalism, noting that the league reflects a broader effort to build a sustainable basketball ecosystem on the continent.
Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa, also highlighted strong fan engagement and commercial growth around the league. She noted that attendance during the group stages was very high and confirmed that interest in Rwanda continues to grow significantly.
Akamaniz also added that tickets for the game were sold out, with BK Arena expected to be at full capacity and around 20 partners supporting the event, indicating the league’s steady growth and strong confidence in its development.
The quarter-final is being played in a home-and-away format, with the aggregate winner advancing to the semi-finals of the sixth edition of the BAL.
A strong turnout is expected at BK Arena as both teams aim to take an important advantage in the opening leg of this knockout stage.
The match is officiated by American referee Gina Catanzariti, assisted by Arnold Moseya and Claudio Eiuba, while Rwanda’s Shema Didier serves as game commissioner.
Al Ahly, coached by Pantelis Gavriel, enters the fixture as one of Africa’s most experienced clubs, with a strong continental pedigree.
AS Ville de Dakar, led by Mamadou Gaye alongside assistants Ousmane Diallo and Thierno Camara, enters the game looking to deliver a strong performance and stay competitive ahead of the return leg.
The encounter sets the tone for what is expected to be an intense and decisive quarter-final tie in Kigali.
