Thunder fall just short in Kigali thriller as BAL debut ends in heartbreak
Nairobi City Thunder came agonisingly close to ending their debut BAL campaign with a win, but a buzzer-beating three-pointer from APR’s Obadiah Noel sealed a 77–74 defeat in Kigali on Sunday night.
Nairobi City Thunder closed out their debut campaign in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) with a narrow 77–74 loss to Rwanda’s APR, in a dramatic finale at the BK Arena in Kigali on Sunday night.
The Kenyan champions were hoping to sign off their Nile Conference journey with a win, but a last-gasp three-pointer by Obadiah Noel, with just three seconds left on the clock, dashed their hopes. The result marked Thunder’s fifth defeat in the group stage of their first-ever appearance in the continental competition.
This encounter was a far cry from their sluggish start against the same opponents just over a week ago. Thunder showed clear growth in composure and execution, opening the game with aggression and confidence. They edged the first quarter 19–17 and extended their lead to 26–18 in the second, courtesy of fearless drives, improved ball movement, and clutch trips to the free-throw line.
More To Read
- Nairobi City Thunder win first ever BAL game
- Nairobi City Thunder still eyeing playoff spot in BAL despite winless start
- Nairobi City Thunder fall again as BAL Playoff hopes narrow
- Nairobi City Thunder outclassed by hosts APR in BAL Nile Conference opener
- Kenya’s Nairobi City Thunder ready for BAL debut in Kigali
- Thunder boosted ahead of BAL debut by return of key forward
APR, backed by a raucous home crowd, gradually clawed their way back, trimming the deficit to 45–41 midway through the third quarter. But Thunder held their nerve and stretched their lead to 61–55 heading into the final ten minutes.
What followed was a fierce and frantic fourth quarter. With the scores locked at 69–69, momentum began to shift. The home supporters raised the volume, roaring on every Rwandan possession while jeering every Kenyan touch.
Uchenna Iroegbu briefly silenced the crowd with a deep three, but APR’s Axel Mpoyo responded with back-to-back triples that sent the arena into a frenzy.
With the game tied at 74–74 and seconds remaining, APR executed the final possession with precision. Noel received the ball on the right wing, created space with a sharp step, and buried the decisive three-pointer to seal a dramatic win.
Despite the gutting finish, Thunder exit the competition with their heads held high. Albert Odero was outstanding, leading all scorers with 29 points in an MVP-worthy performance. He was well supported by Iroegbu, who scored 16, and William Davis II, who added 14.
Top Stories Today
