Champions Uganda down Kenya in Fiba qualifiers

Kenya on Thursday suffered a setback in their quest to reach the Fiba Afrobasket Championship after losing 62-59 to champions Uganda in the ongoing Zone Five women’s qualifiers at the Cairo Olympic Centre, Egypt.

The loss complicates matters for Kenya as qualification now depends on other results. Kenya must now beat Egypt in their final match on Friday by a margin of 26 baskets and hope that Uganda beat the hosts in their final match on Saturday.

All three teams are tied on four points but Egypt, who have played two games – one less than the other two, lead the log due to a superior goal difference. Kenya is in second place with Uganda placed third. The top team will represent the zone at the continental event set for Bamako, Mali in September 15 to 24 this year.

Kenya had beaten Egypt 70-41 in its opening match but the champions turned the tables to revive their hopes of qualifying for the continental showpiece.

Meanwhile, Kenya men’s team finally recorded its first win of the competition after edging out Somalia 90-87 in its position six and seven classification match. The Kenyans will on Friday play South Sudan to determine the teams that finish in fifth and sixth places.

Kenya was pushed all the way but dug deep to claim the much needed win. A closely fought first quarter saw Somalia outscore Kenya 23-22. However, Kenya improved in the second quarter to lead 28-18 before taking the quarter 20-17.

Somalia would rally in the final quarter to take it 29-20 but the damage had already been done and Kenya claimed the bragging rights.

Evans Leting starred for Kenya with 25 points, while Somalia’s danger man was Mohamed Ali with 24 points.