Tournament News

Road to BAL: City Oilers and Cape Town Tigers Secure Spots in BAL 2024

Nine-time Ugandan champions, City Oilers, and their South African counterparts, Cape Town Tigers, have earned coveted berths in the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) by triumphing in their respective semi-final matches in the East Division Elite 16.

Published on

January 22, 2024

Last Updated on

January 8, 2024

Kendi Mwiti

Kendi Mwiti

Staff Writer

City Oilers celebrate booking their BAL 2024 seat

City Oilers Dominate Zone 5 Derby

Under the guidance of coach Mandy Juruni, the Oilers secured a 72-61 victory over Dynamo in an East African derby during the first semi-final of the East Division Elite 16, set to conclude on Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

City Oilers celebrate after beating Dynamo

Robison Opong and Titus Odeke played pivotal roles, with Opong scoring 17 points, making 5 of 9 three-pointers, and contributing 8 rebounds and 2 assists.

Robison Opong, 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists

A strong start for Oilers had them leading 19-05, leaving the Burundi champions with ground to make up. Despite a 19-12 response from Dynamo, the halftime score stood at 31-24. The third quarter ended in a 22-all draw, and Oilers secured the final quarter 19-15 for the overall victory.

Cape Town Tigers Survive COSPN's Onslaught to Secure Third BAL Ticket

The Tigers became the second team in the East Division Elite 16 to clinch a spot in next year's BAL after defeating Madagascar's COSPN 67-63 in a highly entertaining match.

South African champions Cape Town Tigers became the second team to seal a slot in the 2024 Basketball Africa League

Under the leadership of Mlungisi Ngwenya, the Tigers will be making their third consecutive appearance in the elite men's club basketball competition, now in its fourth edition.

Power forward Nkosinathi Sandile Sibanyoni, aged 25, stole the spotlight with a game-high 21 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 14 points in just over 36 minutes on the floor.

Nkosinathi Sibanyoni, 21 rebounds and 5 blocks while scoring 14 points in just over 36 minutes

Despite COSPN's comeback attempt with quarters ending 19-18 and 19-13, Tigers held on to secure the victory.

The final showdown will feature Oilers against Tigers, while COSPN takes on Dynamo for the last ticket to BAL. The third and final slot will be determined on Sunday, 26th November, when the losing semi-finalists, Dynamo BBC of Burundi and COSPN of Madagascar, clash.

[Image/Photography Credit: FIBA]

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