Kenya off to a slow start in FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers

Kenya lost its first group phase game, falling 78-56 to neighboring Uganda at the FIBA Women`s Afro Basket 2025 Qualifiers Zone 5 held in Cairo, Egypt.

The Lioness has been pooled alongside host Egypt, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan in a win-or-go-home dogfight to punch a one-way ticket to the continental showdown in Ivory Coast.

The George Mayienga-led outfit rued missed chances and defensive indiscipline as they found themselves down double digits by the end of the first quarter (23-11).

The second quarter was anything but for the Kenyans as they again found themselves down double digits by the end of the period, going into the half 40-28 in favour of Uganda, inspired by the duo of Page Robinson and Jane Asinde.

The third quarter finished 57-37 as the Ugandans were able to extend their lead further. In spite of the loss, the Lionesses can look to the positives from the match, such as the bench scoring that offered scoring glimpses and the notable free throw percentage between the teams, and get a grip because it`s only going to get even harder in the stacked Zone 5 group phase. 

 Rwandan-based Victoria Reynolds offered sparks of individual brilliance for the team and will be amongst Coach Mayienga`s integral pieces if they want to make it out of the group.  The bench scoring could be a factor for coach Mayienga, as they performed better than their starters, who sometimes looked disjointed and out of rhythm.

The lioness seeks a much-needed win as they face South Sudan at 16.30hrs today.                                                                                                                                                                                  �. 

Kenya vs South Sudan, 16.30 Feb 4 

Kenya vs Burundi, 16.30 Feb 5