Namuwongo Blazers Make Powerful BAL Qualifiers Start with Dominant Win in Hoima

Peter Obleng leads the scoring as the hosts overpower Ushindzi de Ouani, while new signings make an immediate impact in Hoima.

Namuwongo Blazers announced their intentions in emphatic fashion, opening their 2026 Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualifying campaign with a commanding victory over Comoros’ Ushindzi de Ouani in Hoima.

Peter Obleng led the scoring with 22 points as the Ugandan side showcased their attacking firepower and defensive strength in a dominant performance that underlined their ambition to progress through the continental qualifiers.

Makhtar Gueye contributed 20 points and eight rebounds, while reigning league MVP Franck Nyembo added 18 points and seven rebounds, converting all eight of his two-point attempts. The Blazers also benefited from an impressive showing by Peter Olisemeka, whose presence in the paint proved crucial to their dominance.
The hosts wasted little time establishing their authority, racing to a 31–14 lead at the end of the opening quarter. Their energy, physicality and offensive execution immediately put Ushindzi under pressure, with the visitors struggling to contain the Blazers’ deep roster.

New acquisition Peter Olisemeka contributed six points in the opening period, while Nyembo registered five. Gueye and Richaud Pack added four points apiece as Namuwongo spread the scoring responsibilities across the lineup.

The Blazers maintained their intensity in the second quarter, extending their advantage to 34 points by halftime. Their offensive efficiency and control of the boards left Ushindzi with a difficult task heading into the second half.

Namuwongo’s commanding start reflects a deliberate recruitment drive ahead of the qualifiers, with the Blazers moving aggressively in the transfer market to strengthen their continental ambitions.
The arrivals of Makhtar Gueye, Richaud Pack, John Jordan, Peter Olisemeka and Edrine Ekau have added depth, experience and versatility to a squad determined to make a strong impression on the African stage.

Against Ushindzi, the early returns were encouraging. Gueye provided scoring punch, Olisemeka offered a commanding presence on the boards, and Nyembo continued to demonstrate why he remains one of the team’s most influential players.
Olisemeka finished with an impressive 15 rebounds, highlighting the Blazers’ dominance in the paint and their ability to control second-chance opportunities.
The third quarter developed into an open, free-flowing contest, but Ushindzi had few answers for Namuwongo’s offensive movement and physical presence around the basket.

The Blazers continued to exploit their advantage inside, attacking the paint and converting opportunities with confidence. Their control of the rebounds further restricted Ushindzi’s chances of mounting a comeback.

By the end of the third quarter, Namuwongo had built an overwhelming 82–39 lead, leaving the hosts firmly in control heading into the final period.
Namuwongo saved another strong defensive statement for the final quarter, limiting Ushindzi to just six points as they closed out a comprehensive opening-game victory.

The defensive effort complemented their offensive production, demonstrating that the Blazers’ ambitions extend beyond scoring heavily .Their ability to restrict the opposition, control the boards and maintain intensity throughout the game  closing the game 104-46.

The Blazers’ performance sent a clear message to their qualifying rivals: Namuwongo are in Hoima to compete seriously for a place in the BAL.

Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Urunani made a positive start to their 2026 Road to BAL campaign with a 93–69 victory over Madagascar’s COSPN on Wednesday.
The result gave the Burundian side an important opening win as teams battle for progression through the qualifying rounds.
Namuwongo Blazers will return to action on Saturday at 6:00 p.m., when they face South Sudan’s Patriots Basketball Club in what promises to be a significant test of their early momentum.

After an emphatic opening performance, the Blazers will be looking to carry their offensive efficiency, rebounding dominance and defensive discipline into their next assignment.

For the Hoima hosts, the opening victory is more than just a winning start. It is an early statement of intent from a team strengthened by ambitious recruitment and determined to take its BAL dream a step closer to reality.