Al Ahly Set to Extend BAL Dominance as 2026 Sahara Conference Begins in Rabat

Posted : 17 April 2026

By the time the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Sahara Conference tips off in Rabat, Morocco, Al Ahly will have established themselves as the Egyptian club with the highest number of appearances in the competition. The Cairo-based giants have featured in multiple BAL seasons and continue to build a strong continental legacy, setting them apart from domestic rivals Zamalek and Al Ittihad Alexandria, who have also taken part but with fewer total games played.

Al Ahly’s impact on African basketball has been significant since their breakthrough. They famously won the BAL title on their debut appearance in 2023, becoming one of the rare clubs to achieve such a feat immediately after entering the competition. This triumph added to their earlier continental success and confirmed their status as one of the strongest basketball teams on the continent.

However, their journey has not been entirely consistent. After their championship-winning campaign, Al Ahly experienced a dip in form during the following season, where they failed to reach the semi-finals and ended with a lower overall finish than expected. This inconsistency highlighted the competitive nature of the BAL and the challenge of maintaining dominance at continental level.

Domestically, the Red Devils remain a powerhouse in Egyptian basketball, regularly competing for titles and reinforcing their reputation as one of the most successful clubs in the country. Their sustained success in the Egyptian Super League has helped maintain a core group of experienced players who also feature prominently on the national stage.

The squad includes several key figures who have been central to their recent achievements, such as Ibrahim Zahran, Ehab Amin, Amr Gendy, and towering center Omar Oraby. These players bring continuity and leadership, having played together for multiple seasons and contributing heavily to their 2023 BAL success. In preparation for the 2026 campaign, the team has also strengthened its roster with international additions, including guard John Jordan and forward Osay Osifo.

At the helm, Al Ahly are guided by experienced coach Linos Gavriel, a well-known figure in African basketball. The Cypriot coach has built a strong reputation across the continent through successful stints in Tunisia and Bahrain, where he consistently led teams to major finals and titles in regional competitions. His tactical experience is expected to play a crucial role in Al Ahly’s 2026 BAL ambitions.

As the 2026 BAL season approaches, Al Ahly enter the competition not only as former champions but also as one of the most experienced and decorated clubs in the league’s history. Their blend of experience, ambition, and tactical leadership positions them as serious contenders once again in Africa’s premier basketball competition.

Al Ahly Set to Extend BAL Dominance as 2026 Sahara Conference Begins in Rabat

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