MAHAMAS (Madagascar) – Kenya Ports Authority marched into the Second Round of the Basketball Africa League Qualifiers after edging Cobra Sports Club 81-78 on Saturday to top Group F. 

KPA power forward Okall Koranga rose up to the occasion recording an impressive double double of 14 points, 14 rebounds and five assists to secure a third consecutive win holding off Cobra in a tensely contested encounter that went down to the last play of the game. 

 Owuor speaks to his players during a timeout

The 6ft9in (205cm) power forward told FIBA.basketball after the game that, “We came here with the intention of clinching one of the two top spots. It is done and we are looking forward to what is coming next." 

The South Sudanese side gave them a run for their money as Owen Majok Makuei and his teammates overtook them at the helm of the game but the Kenyans played better defense and paid more attention to detail. 

“They sometimes surpassed us in the game. Leek Malual Leek did a good job destabilizing us. But when we found out how to overcome them, it became a whole lot easier for us," Okall added.

"Getting to the next stage is only the first part of the plan. The next one will be to become even more visible on the African scene. We cannot rest now. We want to make it to BAL 2020 and we will not leave any stone unturned to get there.”

Later in the evening, Gendarmerie Nationale BC easily overcame Beau Vallon Heat 87-67 to keep their hopes of the next round alive. They were helped by their man-in-charge Fabrice Constant Mandimbison who scored 30 points during the 19 minutes he spent on court.

This Sunday will be the last day of action in Group F. Usoni BC take on KPA in the day’s opener while GNBC and Cobra Sports will battle for the final ticket up for the grab later during the day.

FIBA