The Kalahari Conference of the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season concluded in Pretoria, South Africa, with Petro de Luanda and RSSB Tigers emerging as the dominant teams heading into the playoffs.
In final round of games which delivered both intensity and quality, Nairobi City Thunder ended their campaign with a 101–92 win over previously unbeaten RSSB Tigers, handing the Rwandan side their first loss of the conference. Derrick Ogechi led the scoring with 22 points, while Tylor Ongwae added 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Antino Jackson Jr. responded with 24 points and nine assists for the Tigers.
In the closing game, Petro de Luanda underlined their dominance with a 105–61 victory over Johannesburg Giants. Javion Blake recorded 21 points and nine assists, while Aboubacar Gakou contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds. The defeat marked a fifth straight loss for the Giants to end their campaign.
With the conference concluded, Petro de Luanda, RSSB Tigers, Al Ahly Ly and Dar City have secured their places in the BAL playoffs, which will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 22 to May 31.
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Attention now shifts to the Sahara Conference in Rabat, Morocco, scheduled from April 24 to May 3, where Nigeria will be represented by Maktown Fliers.
The Nigerian side face a demanding schedule, beginning against JCA Kings on April 25 before taking on host side FUS Rabat a day later. They will then face Al Ahly on April 29, Club Africain on May 1, and ASC Ville de Dakar on May 3.
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