Analysis: How City Thunder struck Oilers to make BAL history

Kenya’s basketball club Nairobi City Thunder, on Monday night, under the luminous light of the Kasarani Indoor Arena, made history by qualifying for the Basketball Africa League.

In so doing, they became the first and only Kenyan club to attain the feat after beating Uganda’s City Oilers 72- 62 in a tough semi-final match staged at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.

The victory not only solidified Thunder’s position as one of East Africa’s basketball giants but also booked their ticket to the coveted continental tournament, by virtue of being finalists.

And speaking in the night of immense emotion, head coach Bradley Ibs was moved by the magnitude of the achievement.

 “It’s an amazing day, for us is a historic day, first club from Kenya have made it to the BAL. It feels like a good day for Kenyan basketball of which we are proud to be part of.”

Ibs also highlighted the importance of teamwork and commended the squad for maintaining composure under pressure, particularly against a strong opponent like the Oilers.

His opposite number, Oilers Tendo Senyondwa said:  "I will look at it as an inspiration in terms of the people who are watching us back home."

City Oilers’ Parish Petty put up a commendable fight, with consistent scoring, as he became the match top scorer with 23 points but the Ugandan champions fell short in the final quarter.

The team’s campaign has been marked by consistent performances, starting from the group stages, where they overcame stiff competition to advance to the knockout rounds. Thunder won all the Group ‘A’ matches, making them top the group’s standings. Standout players like Derrick Mekenge Ogechi, Tylor Ongwae and Ater Majok have been instrumental in the team’s success, contributing both offensively and defensively.

With their BAL 2025 qualification secured, Thunder will now turn their focus to Tuesday night final, against Angola’s Kriol Star, a rematch of Friday’s Group A match where Kriol was overwhelmed by Thunder.