Kenya’s national men’s basketball team, the Kenya Morans, has been forced to forfeit their opening match of the FIBA Afrobasket Qualifiers against Tunisia due to unforeseen logistical challenges. The team was unable to secure flights to Tripoli, Libya, in time for the game scheduled for this afternoon.

The Morans were initially set to depart on February 19, but upon arrival at the airport, they were informed that there were no available flights to Libya. An alternative route through Tunisia was considered, but a connecting flight to Libya was unavailable. The only available flight could land in Benghazi, further complicating travel logistics.

The team endured a frustrating wait at the airport on February 20, arriving at 7 PM and remaining there until 1 AM, only to be informed that no flights were available. As a result, they were unable to reach Tripoli in time for the match against Tunisia.

The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) released an official statement regarding the situation, which read:

“The Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) regrets to report that due to unforeseen logistical challenges, which included lack of connecting flights into Tripoli, Kenya Morans Basketball Team is unable to arrive in time for the opening match at the ongoing FIBA Afrobasket Championship in Tripoli, Libya.”

Despite this setback, the federation has assured fans that the Morans remain focused on the tournament and are determined to perform well in their upcoming fixtures against Angola on February 22 at 1600 hrs and Guinea on February 23 at 1300 hrs.

KBF also extended their gratitude to the Government of Kenya, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Sports Fund for their intervention. The statement further read:

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Kenya, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Sports Fund for their swift intervention and support in securing a chartered flight to ensure that the team arrives at the competition venue.”

Additionally, the federation acknowledged the role of FIBA Africa and the Libyan Basketball Federation in supporting the team, stating:

“We recognize FIBA Africa and the Libyan Basketball Federation for their support.”

This means that Kenya sits bottom in Group E after four matches with four points, with Tunisia leading the group with eight points, having won all their matches. Angola and Guinea are second and third with six and five points, respectively, with Angola having already qualified as the 2025 Afrobasket hosts this August.

Kenya will need maximum points in their next two matches to qualify as this is the last qualification window. In the most recent window, held in February 2024, the Cliff Owuor-coached squad struggled early, suffering a 90-69 defeat to Tunisia and an 88-58 loss to Angola before securing a crucial 80-74 victory over Guinea to take third place in the group.

Kenya Morans Team for Afrobasket Qualifiers:
Victor Bosire (Captain), Tylor Ongwae (Assistant Captain), Derrick Ogechi, Salim Kisilu, Joel Awich, Blacio Owili, Fidel Okoth, Bramwel Mwombe, Eugene Adera, Bush Wamukota, Albert Odero, Griffin Ligare.

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