In the heat of the FIBA Under-18 Africa Zone 5 Championship, Kenya’s young talents soared high, overcoming Tanzania with a display of resilience and skill that left the Tanzanian team trailing in their wake.
After suffering a bruising defeat at the hands of Rwanda, Kenya’s boys team hit the court with determination, eager to make amends. From the onset, they set the pace, dominating the first quarter with a commanding lead of 29-17.
Despite Tanzania’s efforts to close the gap, Kenya maintained their momentum, stretching their advantage in the subsequent quarters. The Tanzanian side fought back valiantly, narrowing the margin in the third quarter, but Kenya held firm, securing a decisive 95-81 victory.
At the heart of Kenya’s triumph was Powell Owibo, whose stellar performance saw him net an impressive 23 points. Supported by Patrick Githura, Remugius Tero, and Ryan Otieno, who contributed 20, 16, and 15 points respectively, Kenya’s team showcased their depth and determination to clinch the win.
While the boys celebrated their triumph, Kenya’s girls faced a tough challenge against host nation Uganda. Despite their best efforts, they were outclassed by a formidable Ugandan side, suffering a crushing defeat of 97-45.
Resty Nanangwe led Uganda’s charge with a standout performance, leaving the Kenyan girls struggling to contain their opponents’ relentless onslaught.
Nevertheless, Kenya’s girls had already demonstrated their strength earlier in the tournament, securing a hard-fought victory against Tanzania in their opening game.
Spearheaded by Valentine Korir, who delivered an impressive 14 points, Kenya’s girls showed promise for the future despite their setback against Uganda.
As the tournament progressed, Kenya’s teams prepared to face formidable opponents in the coming fixtures. With the girls set to take on Rwanda and the boys gearing up for a showdown against Uganda, both teams remained determined to leave their mark on the championship.
In the arena of African basketball, Kenya’s young stars shone brightly, their performances echoing a spirit of resilience, determination, and the promise of future success on the court.
