BAL 2026: Sahara Conference begins in Rabat, teams chase Kigali playoffs

The 2026 Basketball Africa League Sahara Conference tipped off in Rabat, Morocco, with an exciting opening as six teams began their race for four playoff spots in Kigali.

The curtain-raiser featured a compelling clash between Tunisia’s Club Africain and Senegal’s ASC Ville de Dakar.

Making their BAL debut, Club Africain showcased composure and quality to secure an 85–79 victory.

The Tunisian side controlled much of the game through disciplined execution and strong rebounding, finishing with a 42–33 advantage on the boards.

Their offensive rhythm was anchored by standout performances from Omar Abada and Jesse Jones Jr., who each contributed 21 points.

Despite a late push from Ville de Dakar, led by Samba Fall’s 20-point effort, Club Africain held firm to claim a memorable first win on the continental stage.

The second game of the evening saw hosts FUS Rabat deliver a commanding performance in front of an energized home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex.

Facing BAL newcomers JCA Kings from Côte d’Ivoire, the Moroccan champions dominated proceedings from the outset, eventually cruising to an emphatic 85–55 victory.

FUS Rabat set the tone early with aggressive defense and efficient scoring, building a comfortable halftime lead that they never relinquished.

Abdoulaye Harouna led the scoring for FUS Rabat with 16 points, while Anthony Pritchard added 13 points and six rebounds in a well-rounded display.

The team’s ability to control both ends of the court proved decisive, as they limited JCA Kings’ offensive effectiveness throughout the game.

The Ivorian side, guided by Jonathan Cisse, struggled to find consistency, shooting just 34 percent from the field in a challenging debut outing.

With four of the six teams set to advance to the playoffs in Kigali, the margin for error remains slim.

Each matchup in the Sahara Conference will play a crucial role in shaping the standings, making consistency and adaptability key factors for success.

The opening night in Rabat has already set a high bar, signaling that the road to Kigali will be both challenging and thrilling.

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