Road to BAL 2026: Why an all–East African final feels inevitable

From the very first tip-off, two teams have stood out— Nairobi City Thunder of Kenya and Tanzania’s Dar City.

If form, firepower, and fundamentals count for anything, an all–East African final seems not just possible, but inevitable.

The Kenyan champions have stormed through the group stage with authority. Their opening 89–62 win over Namuwongo Blazers of Uganda in Pool ‘A’ announced their arrival, with Lance Robert Thomas pouring in 18 points and Albert Odero adding 16 with six rebounds

Even tougher was their narrow 86–83 victory against Johannesburg Giants on Friday, which showcased their poise under pressure.

Odero’s 21 points, including the decisive basket, proved that when the chips are down, Thunder’s stars rise.

Across the court, Dar City have been equally formidable. Their 85–78 win over Matero Magic was a clinic in balance and teamwork.

Deng Angok Yak Deng dominated inside with a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Solo Diabate orchestrated the offense with 13 points and 8 assists.

Nisre Zouzoua added defensive energy, creating turnovers and pushing the pace.

Across both groups, Ferroviário da Beira and Johannesburg Giants have also impressed, but consistency has been the key differentiator for Thunder and Dar City.

Star power meets team chemistry

While basketball is inherently a team sport, knockout games are often decided by standout individual performances.

For Nairobi City Thunder, Lance Robert Thomas’s consistent scoring, Albert Odero’s clutch plays, and Tylor Ongwae’s veteran leadership make the team formidable in tight moments.

On the other side, Dar City relies on Deng Angok Yak Deng’s inside dominance, Solo Diabate’s playmaking ability, and Raphiael Putney’s scoring balance to create a multi-dimensional threat.

In high-stakes matches, these players are not just contributors—they are game-changers, capable of swinging momentum and determining who advances.

The Thunder versus Beira (Mozambique) semi-final on Saturday is set to be a fast-paced, high-energy clash, with the hosts likely to stick to the strategies that have carried them through the group stage.

Expect them to push the pace, attack off the dribble, and rely on their star power—Lance Robert Thomas’s scoring, Albert Odero’s clutch plays, and Tylor Ongwae’s leadership—to dictate the game.

Beira, meanwhile, will look to counter that momentum, using the experience of Joshua Thomas and Ke’Tarrious Bouchum to slow the tempo, run structured set plays, and control the boards.

In a contest like this, the team that can impose its style while minimizing turnovers and securing rebounds will likely advance.

In the other semi-final clash, Dar City will likely stick to the formula that has brought them success so far, relying on their inside-outside balance with Deng Angok Yak Deng dominating the paint and Solo Diabate orchestrating the offense. Raphiael Putney’s scoring will also be key in keeping defences honest.

The Johannesburg Giants, on the other hand, will aim to disrupt Dar City’s rhythm by pressuring the ball, hunting for steals, and forcing mistakes, hoping to exploit any lapses in execution.

Ultimately, the team that can execute their game plan effectively while leveraging its star power and bench contributions will have the edge in reaching the final.

Inside the four lines of the court

Records, stats, and hype matter — but basketball is ultimately decided on the court. Every rebound, every contested shot, every turnover counts. Fundamentals, discipline, and composure in crunch moments will determine which teams earn their spot in the final.

Thunder have shown they can rise under pressure while Dar City have demonstrated balance and poise.

Beira and Giants both have the firepower to upset — but the favourites have been tested and so far they have delivered consistently.

Thunder’s home-court advantage and experience may just give them the edge, but Dar City’s balance and star power guarantee a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat contest.

Bottom line: East African basketball is rising, and this tournament is proof — the best teams will show their mettle inside the four lines of the court, and the rest is history waiting to be written.