Al Ahli Tripoli eliminated APR in the BAL 5 semifinal, thanks to strong perimeter defense. (Photo courtesy)
Libyan giants Al Ahli Tripoli defeated Rwanda’s APR BBC for the third time this season, eliminating them in the semifinals and crushing their dream of winning the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in season 5.
Al Ahli secured an 84–71 victory in the first BAL semifinal held on June 11 at SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
The Rwandan army team came into the game seeking revenge after two regular-season losses to the Libyan champions and hoping to become the first Rwandan team to reach a BAL final.
However, head coach Fouad Abou Chacra’s side seemed to have thoroughly analyzed APR’s playing style, deploying a tight defensive strategy that stifled APR’s offense.
Despite trailing 17–18 after the first quarter, Al Ahli tightened their defense in the second, limiting APR to just 11 points—a postseason low—taking a 36–29 lead into halftime.
Coach James Maye’s APR team responded in the third quarter with renewed energy, managing to overturn the deficit and enter the final quarter with a slim 57–55 lead. But just like in the second period, Al Ahli dominated the final quarter, extinguishing APR’s hopes of advancing to the championship game.
The Libyan side closed out the game with a commanding 84–71 win, showcasing superiority across almost every statistical category. Although APR had a slightly better field goal percentage (48% to Al Ahli’s 46%), the Libyans were lethal from behind the arc, hitting 12 of 29 three-point attempts compared to APR’s 4 of 18.
Al Ahli’s strong perimeter defense limited APR’s shot attempts, while they also dominated in rebounds, assists, steals, points in the paint, points off turnovers, and bench contributions.
Forward Fabian Christopher White Jr. led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting while playing the full 40 minutes. APR’s standout performer was Anunwa “Nuni” Omot, who finished with 22 points.
This marks APR’s third loss to Al Ahli Tripoli this season, following two defeats during the Nile Conference games in Kigali.
In the second semifinal, defending champions Petro de Luanda outclassed Al Ittihad 96–74 to reach their second consecutive BAL final.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 4 PM (Pretoria time), while the bronze medal game will feature APR versus Al Ittihad on Friday, June 13, at 7 PM, both at SunBet Arena.
Rwanda’s U-16 boys’ and girls’ national basketball teams have departed for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the FIBA U-16 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers, despite already securing automatic qualification for the continental championship as hosts.
The delegation left Kigali International Airport on the morning of Tuesday, June 10. The teams will use the regional qualifiers as a build-up to the main tournament, which will be held in Kigali this September.
The Zone V Qualifiers, scheduled from June 12–14 in Kibaha, Tanzania, will feature four East African countries—Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda—competing in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.
These games serve as qualifiers for the FIBA U-16 AfroBasket 2025, which will take place in Kigali from September 2–14. Contrary to earlier reports, the boys’ and girls’ tournaments will now be held simultaneously.
The AfroBasket U-16 tournament will feature 12 teams in each category, representing Africa’s seven zones. Rwanda will host both competitions—marking the country’s first time hosting the boys’ event and the second time for the girls’ edition, which was last held in Kigali in 2019 at Petit Stade.
In the boys’ category, five teams—host nation Rwanda, defending champions Guinea, Egypt, Mali, and Angola (the 2023 semifinalists)—have already secured spots. The remaining seven slots will be determined through zonal qualifiers.
Zone IV has concluded, with Cameroon clinching their maiden ticket.
In the girls’ category, Rwanda and Mali qualify automatically as hosts and defending champions, respectively. Egypt, Angola, and Tunisia—semifinalists from the last edition—have also booked their places, while Cameroon secured qualification through Zone IV.
Mali has dominated the women’s competition, having won all previous editions.
Team Rwanda Squads
The boys and girls posed at KIA before departing to Tanzania for the FIBA U-16 AfroBasket Qualifiers (Photo: FERWABA)
The Rwanda U-16 girls’ team is coached by Joselyne Munyaneza, with Moussa Harelimana as her assistant. The 12-player squad includes:
Ndaruhutse Atete Raissa
Ishimwe Alpha Rebecca
Ndzara Arhoria Johana
Muhorakeye Chanceline
Nzitabakuze Soumaya
Ineza Mushumba Kessy
Ihogoza Agahozo Fany
Akaliza Husina
Agasaro Greater Gradis
Mutoniwase Tidjara
Gwiza Kagina Christa
Akamikazi Tessy Clara
The boys’ team will be led by Head Coach Bienvenue Ngandu and Assistant Coach Emmanuel Habumugisha. The roster includes:
Murenzi Mucyo Ian
Sibomana Ngabo Armael
Ngabo Neto
Ganza Hirwa Kelvin
Shami Jonathan
Mugisha Yvan Prince
Kayihura Elouan
Irakiza Gedeon
Mugisha Divin
Cyusa Divin
Muhirwa Alvin Joshua
Kabenga Manzi Enzo
The Rwanda U-16 basketball teams that traveled to Tanzania (Photo: FERWABA)
Rwanda’s representative in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025, APR Basketball Club, made history on June 9 by advancing to the semifinals for the first time with a commanding 104–73 win over Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
APR became only the second Rwandan team to reach the BAL semifinals, achieving the feat in Season 5 after the Patriots did so in the inaugural season.
The army team started strong, led by new signing and South Sudan international Nuni Omot, whose flawless shooting helped the team race to a 24–11 lead by the end of the first quarter. Rivers Hoopers struggled to contain APR’s offensive rhythm and failed to slow down the most complete APR squad in recent memory.
James Maye’s side continued to dominate in the second quarter, moving the ball efficiently and defending strongly in the paint. By halftime, APR had extended their lead to 57–32.
James Edward Maye Jr.’s coaching strategies have transformed APR’s performance this season. courtesy photo
In the third quarter, APR began rotating their lineup—learning from last season’s injury setbacks—yet still controlled the game, entering the final period with a 31-point advantage (83–52).
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Coach Maye used the final quarter to give bench players valuable minutes. Even then, APR maintained their dominance, closing the game with a stunning 104–73 victory.
APR’s shooting efficiency was pivotal, hitting 40 of 62 shots (64%) compared to the Hoopers’ 24 of 75 (32%). From behind the arc, APR shot 11 of 22 (50%), while the Nigerian champions went just 7 of 30 (23.3%).
Nuni Omot guided APR to their first-ever BAL semifinal. Courtesy Photo
Anunwa Omot Nuni led APR with 21 points, shooting an efficient 9-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Chasson Randle added 15 points and dished out 10 assists, while Aliou Diarra recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
For Rivers Hoopers, Madut Akec, another South Sudan international also scored 21 points, going 7 of 17 from the field.
In the day’s other quarterfinal, defending champions Petro de Luanda defeated 2022 champions US Monastir 95–84 to extend their streak of reaching every BAL semifinal since the league began in 2020.
Assouma Uwizeye recorded a double-double to help APR defeat The Hoops and improve their record to 16-2. (Photo: FERWABA)
APR Women’s Basketball held their nerve in a nail-biting 66-62 victory over The Hoops, extending their unbeaten run to 11 games while snapping their opponents’ five-game winning streak in the Rwanda Basketball League.
The midweek showdown at Petit Stade featured a clash between former champions, and it was APR who emerged victorious—thanks in large part to their bench depth and composure in critical moments.
Patrick Habiyambere’s young Hoops side came out firing, opening an early 8-point lead within the first three minutes. But APR quickly responded, with Assouma Uwizeye scoring 9 points to help her side edge ahead 18-16 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter turned into a defensive stalemate, with neither team willing to concede an edge. The half ended in a 28-28 deadlock.
Assouma Uwizeye’s foul trouble forced APR coach Charles Mushumba to turn to his bench early in the third quarter. The introduction of Martine Umuhoza proved pivotal—she became a threat from behind the arc, helping APR build a 47-41 lead heading into the final period.
With Uwizeye back on the court in the fourth quarter, she and captain Charlotte Umugwaneza dominated the paint against a visibly fatigued Hoops frontcourt. Their rebounding and interior play allowed Kamba Diakite to take control offensively, stretching APR’s lead to 16 points with just five minutes remaining.
But The Hoops were not done yet.
Led by their youthful core—mostly high school players—Habiyambere’s team launched a spirited comeback. Rachel Harvey sparked the run with a layup, followed by Feza Ebengo’s steal and assist to Vivine Mugisha for a fast-break score. Ebengo then attacked the paint three consecutive times, cutting the deficit to just six, 60-54, with 3:26 left on the clock.
APR began to falter under pressure, especially after Umuhoza fouled out. Turnovers and missed shots handed The Hoops further momentum.
Ebengo and Coulibaly Kadiatou combined to bring the score to 62-64 with just over a minute remaining. Vestine Tuyisenge had a golden opportunity to put The Hoops ahead with a three-point attempt but missed.
On the ensuing fast break, Diakite sealed the win with a clutch basket, bringing the final score to 66-62.
APR’s bench outscored The Hoops’ second unit 18-3, a key difference-maker in a tightly contested game.
APR’s win was also powered by standout performances from their frontcourt. Uwizeye posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Umugwaneza added 10 points and 12 rebounds. Diakite led all scorers with 21 points.
Kamba Diakite scored a game-high 21 points. (Photo: FERWABA)
For The Hoops, Feza Ebengo also had a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Kadiatou Coulibaly chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Rachel Harvey added 15 points.
Elsewhere in the league on the same day:
Azomco defeated UR Kigali 83-39
REG dominated EAUR 96-62
IPRC Huye beat UR Huye 66-45 at UR Gymnasium
Standings Update (Top 6):
REG WBBC: 18-0 (clinched playoffs)
APR: 16-2 (clinched playoffs)
Kepler: 14-3 (clinched playoffs)
Azomco: 9-9
The Hoops: 9-8
IPRC Huye: 9-8
With REG, APR, and Kepler already securing playoff spots, the battle for the final postseason berth remains tight. Azomco (9-9), The Hoops (9-8), IPRC Huye (9-8), EAUR (7-11), and GS Marie Reine (7-7) are all still mathematically in the race.
Archived photo of Police vs. GVC in last year's GMT final, played at Ecole Notre Dame Des Anges, Remera.
The 2025 edition of the Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT), originally scheduled for the second weekend of June, has been postponed by two weeks.
The Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) announced on Monday, June 2, that the tournament has been rescheduled to June 20–22 due to reasons beyond its control.
— FRVB | RWANDA VOLLEYBALL (@Rw_Volleyball) June 2, 2025
The three-day tournament, which had already extended invitations to regional clubs, was postponed just three days before its planned start. The last-minute change has drawn concern and criticism from both local and regional stakeholders.
Some regional teams had already begun traveling to Kigali or had booked accommodation ahead of the Federation’s postponement notice.
GMT is an annual event organized by the Rwanda Volleyball Federation with the the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee.
The GMT dates reportedly clash with the Kigali International Peace Marathon, which is scheduled for the same weekend and starts and finishes in Remera—a venue frequently used for major volleyball events—creating a potential scheduling conflict.
The Genocide Memorial Tournament is held annually across various sports disciplines to honor members of the sports community who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Last year, APR Women’s Volleyball Club defeated Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) to win the women’s title, while Police VC triumphed over Gisagara to claim the men’s trophy.
CASABLANCA, MOROCCO - APRIL 15: The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour stop at Wydad AC on April 15, 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco. (Photo supplied by Wydad AC)
FIFA has announced the opening of a special transfer window for the 32 clubs competing in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This exceptional registration period will run from June 1 to June 10, 2025, allowing teams to register new players ahead of the tournament in the United States.
The decision, confirmed on Wednesday, May 21, follows agreement by all 20 Member Associations with qualified clubs, with the final squad deadline set for June 10—just four days before the tournament kicks off in Miami.
“In line with the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and amendments to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, all 20 concerned Member Associations whose clubs are involved have confirmed the opening of a special registration window from 1 to 10 June. This will allow clubs to register new signings for the tournament. The final player list must be submitted by 10 June,” read a statement from FIFA.
The 20 concerned Member Associations are: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
To further enhance flexibility, FIFA has also approved a secondary in-competition registration window from June 27 to July 3, 2025, enabling clubs to add or replace players under defined conditions, provided their domestic transfer window is open.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the most extensive in the tournament’s history, featuring 32 teams from six confederations and 63 matches across 11 U.S. cities:
Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
The tournament will conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium on July 13.
Africa will be represented by four clubs at this year’s FIFA Club World Cup: Al Ahly (CAF Champions League holders), Wydad AC, ES Tunis, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Kigali, May 20 — The Basketball Africa League (BAL), in partnership with Special Olympics Rwanda, reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion by hosting a Unified Celebrity Game during Day 3 of the Nile Conference at BK Arena.
For the fourth consecutive year, BAL has supported Special Olympics Rwanda with basketball clinics and unified game — unique experiences where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities share the court with public figures.
Dr. Tharcisse Ngambe, Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics Rwanda, spoke during the event, highlighting the powerful impact of the partnership:
Dr. Tharcisse Ngambe
“Some had lost hope and felt incapable, but playing alongside individuals without intellectual disabilities — including celebrities — helped them build confidence, improve their abilities, and feel a sense of belonging in an inclusive society,” he said.
At the event, BAL and Special Olympics Rwanda brought together athletes and celebrities for the Unified Celebrity Game to celebrate inclusion, with Rwanda’s Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, and NBA legend Luol Deng joining to promote unity and talent.
Minister Nelly Mukazayire and BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall gave high-fives to athletes, sharing moments of joy and encouragement during the event.
In her remarks, Minister Mukazayire commended BAL for its inclusive initiatives:
“We thank BAL for providing this opportunity and making it possible. These are talented and special people. Recognizing their presence, their abilities, their movement, and their spirit gives us a powerful response. Sport creates an inclusive space that brings people together.” Minister of Sports said.
She further encouraged the athletes, reminding them of their value and uniqueness:
“You are talented. You are special!”
Minister Mukazayire cheers with Special Olympics athletes.
This initiative is a reflection of BAL’s broader mission to use basketball as a platform for social impact — empowering individuals of all abilities and fostering inclusive communities across the continent.
Legendary Rwanda Basketball League side Espoir BBC suffered a 93-88 defeat to UGB, marking their 11th consecutive loss and 14th overall this season—confirming their last-place finish and relegation to the second division.
In the do-or-die clash on May 14 at Petit Stade, the Nyamirambo-based side came out strong, leading through the first three quarters. But UGB relied on their depth to mount a fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring Espoir 23-15 to seal the win.
Amotoe James Koffi scored a game-high 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a full 40 minutes on the floorFortunate Mwanabene scored a team-high 24 points for Espoir, but his efforts were not enough to save the team
Founded in 1963, Espoir BBC has long been a cornerstone of Rwandan basketball, known for nurturing young talent and producing national stars. In recent years, however, the club has struggled—hampered by financial constraints and an increasingly competitive league, where rivals have invested heavily in top talent from abroad.
Espoir has managed only one win in 15 games so far. With just one game remaining and a 1-14 record, they are mathematically unable to climb above Azomco (3-14), who sit just above them.
In the 2025 season, nine teams competed in the league, with only one set to face relegation as the league expands to ten teams next season. Unfortunately for Espoir, they are that team.
This marks a painful chapter for a club with five league titles—second only to APR’s record 15 since the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Espoir previously faced relegation four years ago, but the decision was overturned due to appeals related to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.
In addition to their domestic success, Espoir BBC has also won the 2012 Zone V Club Championship and has represented Rwanda in the African Club Championship, before transitioning to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Sixteen African teams begin their quest for five coveted spots as FIBA reveals the qualifiers draw for the 2027 Basketball World Cup in Qatar.
The draw for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers took place on May 13 at Alhazm in Doha, with FIBA Global Ambassador Carmelo Anthony conducting the event. Sir Mo Farah, one of the most decorated long-distance runners in history, high jump icon Mutaz Barshim, and 3×3 basketball legend Yassin Mousa joined him.
The qualifiers will unfold across six global windows between November 2025 and March 2027, featuring a total of 420 games worldwide. Africa will have five qualification windows to determine the five teams that will represent the continent at the 32-team FIBA World Cup 2027 in Doha.
The draw resulted in the following groups: • Group A: Cameroon, South Sudan, Libya, Cape Verde • Group B: Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, DR Congo • Group C: Rwanda, Nigeria, Tunisia, Guinea • Group D: Mali, Uganda, Egypt, Angola
Sixteen African nations will compete in the qualifiers, divided into four groups of four teams each.
The top three teams from each group will move on to the second round, where the 12 advancing teams will be divided into two groups of six. The top two teams in each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the third-placed teams will battle for the final African spot.
Globally, 80 national teams will compete across continents for a place among the final 32 teams heading to Qatar. The road to the World Cup officially begins in November 2025 and concludes in March 2027, with venues to be confirmed.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 will be held in Qatar from August 27 to September 12. Germany claimed the previous title in 2023, defeating Serbia in the final.
Dennis Ireke, the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League MVP.
Kenyan international outside hitters Dennis Esokon Ireke and Sande Meldinah Nemali were crowned the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League MVPs in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, after leading APR VC and Police WVC to hard-fought league titles.
The 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League wrapped up on May 11 at Petit Stade, with APR VC defending the men’s title and Police WVC clinching their first women’s championship.
In a best-of-three series for the championship, APR and Police met in decisive Game 3s in both categories.
A minute of silence was observed before the games to honor the victims of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi
Police WVC setter Iris Ndagijimana played a key role in helping the team secure its first-ever Rwanda Volleyball League title.
Game 3, held Sunday afternoon at Amahoro Indoor Stadium (Petit Stade), saw Police defeat APR in four tightly contested sets (25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22).
With Sande Meldinah struggling to find openings against APR’s well-formed block anchored by Amito Shallon, Catherine Ainembabazi took over offensively, exploiting gaps in coverage and keeping Police in control of the rally flow.
Sande Meldinah leaps to attack the ball in Game 3, where Police defeated APR to win their first-ever Rwanda Volleyball League title.
It was a fulfilling moment for Police head coach Christian Hatumimana, who had vowed to win the title after last season’s painful loss to APR under coach Peter Kamasa.
The men’s final was equally intense. Fred Musoni’s Police VC claimed the first two sets in narrow fashion (26-24, 26-24), sending their fans into a frenzy, already chanting for the trophy and MVP hopeful Eliphas Makuto.
Police enjoyed strong support from the crowd in the stands.
But APR, led by tactician Sammy Mulingye, mounted a remarkable comeback. Setter Paul Akan expertly ran the offense, feeding Dennis Ireke for powerful spikes that broke through Police’s defense as APR dominated the next two sets (25-17, 25-15). Akan also scored key points with crafty plays at the net.
Paul Akan, the league’s Best Setter, impressed with his playmaking.
Police pushed in the fifth, but APR’s grit sealed the win. The army side edged a dramatic final set 18-16 to seal back-to-back titles—marking their 11th championship overall.
Their victory capped off a stellar season that included a Zone V triumph and a fourth-place finish at the African Club Championship. APR’s triumph was especially notable as they overcame Police, who had finished the regular season as top seeds.
APR VC, the reigning back-to-back Rwanda Volleyball League champions.
The 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League concluded with high-stakes finals, where top individual honors highlighted the season’s standout performers in both the men’s and women’s games.
Sande Meldinah Nemali, a Malikia striker, led Police WVC to a historic season, earning both Best Attacker and MVP honors in her Rwandan debut.
Sande Meldinah poses with her gold medal, league title, Best Attacker, and MVP awards—all in one shot.
APR VC claimed a trio of honors: Valentine Munezero was awarded Best Server, Benitha Mukandayisenga took Best Receiver, and Amito Shallon earned Best Blocker. Police’s Iris Ndagijimana was named Best Setter, while Jackline Uwimaliya received the Best Libero award.
In the men’s division, The wafalme star Dennis Esokon Ireke of APR VC was honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), following his standout performance throughout the season and in the finals. His teammate Samuel Niyonshima won Best Server, and Paul Akan claimed Best Setter, thanks to his pivotal role in APR’s comeback victory.
L-R: Eric Kiganza Kwizera, Samuel Niyonshima, Placide Madison Sibomana, Dennis Esokon Ireke, Eliphas Makuto, Saduru Manzi, and Paul Akan
Despite the final result, Police VC players dominated several categories: Eric Kwizera “Kiganza” earned Best Receiver, Eliphas Makuto was named Best Attacker, Placide “Madison” Sibomana won Best Blocker, and Saduru Manzi took home the Best Libero award.
More Pictures:
OfficialsRRA secured the bronze medal in the women’s category.REG VC clinched the bronze medal.APR Women Volleyball Club finished as the first runners-upPolice VC finished as the first runners-up in the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League in men’s category.Police Women Volleyball Club celebrates their maiden Rwanda Volleyball League title.APR VC, the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League champions.
