Urunani BBC began their Basketball Africa League 2027 qualifying campaign with a 93-69 victory over Madagascar’s COSPN, giving Senegalese guard Cheikh Bamba Diallo an encouraging debut for the Burundian club.
Recruited as a medical replacement, Diallo played 27 minutes and contributed 12 points, three rebounds and one assist. The former AS Douanes player is expected to add experience to Urunani’s continental campaign.
Urunani face host-nation representatives Namuwongo Blazers of Uganda on Thursday, followed by South Sudan’s Patriots Basketball Club. Their final group-stage opponent is Comorian club Ushindzi de Ouani.
The Burundian side need to finish in the top two of Group D in the East Division to reach the Elite 16. Their opening win gives Diallo and Urunani a strong start.
