Kenya extend poor run at FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers

Day two of the ongoing FIBA Women Afro Basket Qualifiers saw Kenya's Lionesses battle it against South Sudan in the first match, eventually losing 86-69.

On a three-game winning streak against the Bright Starlets, the Kenyans aimed to win their second game of the group phase after falling to neighbors Uganda 24 hours earlier. 

George Mayienga's team began on a high note, making their presence felt in the first quarter, and although they couldn't get into shooting rhythms, their hustle and heart aided their performance to hand them the first quarter lead, 19-14.

If the first-quarter lead were anything to go by, one would have hoped that the Kenyan ladies would win in the highly competitive group, but that wasn't the case.

The second quarter was erratic for both teams, as they struggled to break down the zone defenses they were using, especially since the teams could not find sparks to lighten up the game from beyond the three-point line.

South Sudan would find inspiration to close the period with momentum, wrestling back the lead from the frustrated Kenyans to take an eight-point, 38-30 lead at the half.

The third quarter only saw South Sudan's lead balloon to double digits ( 61-45)as the Kenyans rued missed chances and defensive mishaps, and to say the turnovers ( 30 ) were a thorn in the side would be an understatement. 

The Kenyan team lacked the concentration to counter the Bright Starlets momentum, who were on a roll led by Spain-based Delicia Washington ( Barcelona), who, after dusting off her first half eight turnovers, became even more integral to the side, creating scoring opportunities for her team, while also making plays for herself as well.

Victoria Reynolds led the Lionesses with 19 points, but her uncharacteristic turnovers would dim her output in the evening. 

Kenya faces a more challenging task in their way now, both losses coming at a tough time for them, especially in a game such as today, where they could not hit their shots in the highest of clips.

George Mayienga can look at this side's defensive concentration and tighten it up as they excelled in holding their opponents till they broke apart in the second quarter.

Kenya faces Burundi next Wednesday, 5th February, at 16.30 hours, with the game streamed live on the FIBA YouTube channel.