Morans settle for sixth in AfroCan after tough battle against Tunisia

© FIBA

BASKETBALL Morans settle for sixth in AfroCan after tough battle against Tunisia

Festus Chuma 19:20 - 15.07.2023

Kenya's national basketball team unable to replicate 2019 success, misses out on top honors.

The national men's basketball side, Morans concluded their journey at this year's FIBA AfroCan Championship with a disappointing sixth-place finish.

Cliff Owuor's team clashed with Tunisia in an intense classification contest at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda Arena in Angola on Saturday afternoon, ultimately succumbing to a 59-67 defeat against Tunisia.

The Morans' arduous journey in Africa's second-tier national team tournament came to a halt in the quarterfinals when they faced a tough challenge against Morocco.

Despite their valiant efforts, the Morans fell short, losing 55-46 and missing out on contention for the coveted championship title.

However, the team showcased their resilience and determination in the subsequent matches.

In a gripping encounter against Nigeria, the Morans displayed an impressive performance, securing victory and earning their spot in the fifth and sixth qualification match.

Throughout the game against Tunisia, both teams fought tooth and nail, displaying their basketball prowess.

The Morans started the match strongly, narrowly losing the first quarter 13-14. Undeterred, they rallied in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents with a score of 13-8, showcasing their ability to adapt and respond to the ebb and flow of the game.

Unfortunately, the third quarter proved to be a challenging period for Morans, as Tunisia surged ahead with a dominant display, outscoring Kenya 25-13.

However, Morans refused to back down and demonstrated their fighting spirit in the fourth quarter, matching Tunisia's efforts with a tied score of 20-20.

Despite the team's collective effort, it was Bramwel Mwombe who emerged as the standout performer for Kenya, dazzling the audience with his exceptional skills on the court.

On the Tunisian side, Jahwar Jawadi showcased his prowess, contributing significantly to his team's victory.

Meanwhile, Derrick Ogechi showcased his leadership abilities by scoring 12 points, solidifying his position as the game leader.

Kenya's Griffin Ligare proved instrumental in the rebounding department, securing an impressive eight rebounds for his team.

Tom 'Bush' Wakukota showcased his playmaking abilities with three assists and two steals, while Eric Mutoro displayed his defensive prowess with a notable block.

Despite their individual contributions, the Tunisian team maintained control and emerged victorious.

Morans had high hopes of replicating their extraordinary achievements in 2019 when they advanced to the final of this prestigious continental showpiece, narrowly losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo.