Dar City stormed back from 16 points down to defeat Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers 83–70, securing their spot in the BAL Elite 16. Makhi Ahkim Mitchell’s 19-point double-double and Solo Diabate’s leadership powered Tanzania’s champions to glory.
Last Updated on
October 18, 2025
Dar City secured their second Group D victory to book a spot in the final qualifying round, the Elite 16. Their hard-fought 83-70 victory over the Uganda-based Namuwongo Blazers at the Tanganyika Gymnasium showcased the team's fighting spirit, as they came from 16 points down to win.
After a dominating 102-50 against Djabal from Comoros, Dar City faced a formidable Ugandan side eager to turn the tide. The Blazers stormed out of the gates with an aggressive start, racing to a 10-2 lead within the first three minutes. Despite a slow beginning, Dar City rallied back, closing the first quarter behind by just 10 points.
The second quarter marked a pivotal turning point. African basketball superstar Solo Diabate's free throw marked the beginning of an explosive comeback, igniting a 14-0 run in which Deng Angok Yak Deng scored six vital points, flipping the script, as Dar overcame its deficit. The hosts seized control, with Makhi Ahkim Mitchell's dunk giving them a one-point halftime lead.
The back-and-forth action continued into the third quarter, with Murry's long-range shot briefly giving the Blazers the edge, but Dar City refused to back down.
In the final quarter, the hosts' resilience shone brightest. Nisre Zouzoua, aided by Diabate's crucial assists, orchestrated a decisive run, enabling Dar City to dominate the remaining minutes. Mitchell's impressive performance, 7-of-10 from the field for 19 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, proved instrumental in sealing their victory.
While Jaycson Ray Lavoughn Bereal Jr led all scorers with 28 points for the Blazers, it wasn't enough to prevent Dar City's triumph. The Tanzanian side showcased superior shooting efficiency, especially in the paint and on fast breaks, finishing with a remarkable 71.79% from the two-point line compared to their opponents' 50%.
This victory for Dar City ignites hope across Tanzania's basketball community, with eyes now set on the fiercely competitive Elite 16 stage, where they aim to make history by advancing to the BAL —a feat Pazi BBC faltered at in 2023 in Johannesburg.
Blazers, meanwhile, turn their focus to Djabal, eyeing a crucial victory that would propel them to the Elite 16, where they hope to follow in the footsteps of their Ugandan counterpart City Oilers, who have previously qualified.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/Road to BAL]
