MAHAMAS (Madagascar) - Kenya Ports Authority and Michael Kazunguzibwa made a strong statement on Day 2 for their first Group F Qualifiers game as they held off Gendarmerie Nationale BC in front of their home crowd.

The Kenyan side emerged victorious with a 98-84 win over a very pugnacious Malagasy side who never abdicated.

The man of the day was Kazunguzibwa. The Congolese point guard, who joined the Kenyan side this year, left his mark on his debut, homing a total of 18 points.

"I’m very happy with our first win," the 26-year-old who amassed 5 assists and 4 rebounds told FIBA.basketball after the game

The Kenyans have faced some great opposition from GNBC, with the islanders sometimes getting even in the game.

And the Congolese point guard is not surprised about what he saw on the court. "There are no small teams here in Madagascar. Plus they had some support from the fans. But all in all, we won our first game and this gives us extra confidence," he added.

They actually faced danger from Francis Mory, who scored 36 out of his side’s 84 points. "We really had some difficulties with them. We didn’t have a great start, and it took us some time to get adjusted."

With his numbers, he is looking forward to the next game against Beau Vallon Heat. "We had some flaws today. We know there’s room for improvement and we’re coming to grab another victory," Kazunguzibwa explained.

Earlier today, Comoros’ Usoni BC forfeited the game against Seychelles’ representative. The islanders grabbed a 20-0 victory without playing.

GNBC are sitting on top of Group F, with a 1-1 record. Beau Vallon Heat are second with the same pattern.

Action returns to Mahamas on Friday as Cobra Sports will match up with Usoni BC while Beau Vallon Heat and KPA will fend off for victory.

FIBA