Kenya Morans face must-win clash After 59-88 loss to Angola in AfroBasket qualifiers
Kenya Morans are on the brink of elimination after a heavy 59-88 defeat to Angola in their 2025 AfroBasket Qualifier match in Tripoli, Libya, on Saturday. With one game left, they must now beat Guinea to secure a place in the continental tournament.
Kenya started strongly, taking a 25-21 lead in the first quarter against the record African champions. However, their momentum faded in the second quarter despite briefly holding a 33-29 advantage. Angola responded with an 11-0 run before Kenya managed to get back on the scoreboard, narrowing the deficit to 40-35. The southern Africans continued to dictate the pace, closing the half with another 10 unanswered points to lead 50-35 at the break.
The Morans showed resilience in the third quarter, matching Angola point for point, but still trailed 65-50 heading into the final period. In the fourth quarter, Kenya struggled to keep up, managing just nine points as Angola surged ahead to seal an emphatic victory.
Fidel Okoth was Kenya’s top scorer with 13 points and three rebounds, while Tylor Ongwae contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Blacio Owili added nine points, three rebounds, and one assist, with Derrick Ogechi finishing with eight points, three rebounds, and one assist. Victor Bosire had three points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Eugene Adera made an impact off the bench with nine points, four rebounds, and five assists. Albert Odero, Bramwel Mwombe, Bush Wamukota, Griffin Ligare, and Salim Kisilu also featured in the game.
More To Read
With their AfroBasket hopes hanging in the balance, Kenya must now defeat Guinea to secure qualification for the tournament set to take place in Angola in August. Guinea have already shown their strength, edging Angola 66-65 on Friday before suffering a narrow 64-63 loss to Tunisia on Saturday. However, the Morans can take confidence from their previous encounter against the Guineans, having beaten them 80-74 in Monastir, Tunisia, in February.
It is now a do-or-die moment for Kenya as they look to keep their AfroBasket dream alive.
Top Stories Today
