- Nairobi City Thunder edged past South Africa’s MBB with a 76-85 victory, securing their first win in the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Nile Conference at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
- This triumph not only marked their maiden win in the tournament but also cemented their place in history as the first Kenyan team ever to claim a BAL victory.
- Their playoff hopes now rest on Sunday’s crucial clash against hosts Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR).
Nairobi City Thunder notched their maiden triumph in the ongoing 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) with an emphatic 76-85 win over South Africa’s Made By Basketball (MBB) on Saturday afternoon at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
This victory not only marked their first win in the tournament but also etched their name in history as the first Kenyan team ever to claim a BAL win.
Despite suffering four consecutive losses earlier, Thunder kept their playoff aspirations alive, improving to a 1-4 record.
Meanwhile, the defeat left MBB in a critical position. They must beat conference leaders Al Ahli Tripoli on Sunday to advance to the playoffs. Otherwise, there will be no South African representative in Pretoria.
Albert Odero was the standout performer for City Thunder, delivering a stellar performance with 23 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
Five of his teammates also achieved double-digit scores: Garang Diing contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists leading his team’s dominant performance.
Eugene Adera and Tylor Ongwae each chipped in 10 points, while Uchenna Iroegbu came off the bench with a crucial 14-point contribution.
Yohane Kabongo also made an impact from the bench, adding 11 points to the scoreboard.
Despite a spirited display, MBB were primarily carried by Teafale Lenard Jr, who poured in a game-high 39 points, along with eight rebounds and a solo assist.
Jovan Mooring added 15 points, making them the only two MBB players to register double figures.
Seeking redemption after a heartbreaking 74-75 loss to MBB in their previous encounter, Thunder came out with a massive intensity, establishing an early 4-0 lead courtesy of Ariel Koranga.
They dominated the first quarter with a nine-point cushion, but MBB capitalized on defensive lapses and foul trouble, rallying to snatch a 24-20 lead by the end of the period.
The second quarter saw a tug-of-war for dominance, with Thunder regaining control with a 21-15 run, entering halftime with a narrow 41-39 advantage.
Odero led the charge with 11 points and three rebounds, while Kabongo provided a spark off the bench with nine points.
Lenard remained MBB’s primary offensive weapon, amassing 18 points in the first half, but Thunder’s resolute defense and efficient scoring kept them ahead.
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The third quarter was a see-saw battle, with MBB edging it 15-14, but Iroegbu’s buzzer-beating bucket ensured Thunder retained a slender 55-54 lead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw Thunder assert their authority, stretching their lead to eight points and sealing a 30-28 quarter for an 85-76 final score.
Their playoff hopes now hinge on Sunday’s clash against hosts Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR).
Should APR lose to Al Ahli Tripoli in Saturday’s early game, Thunder’s chances of advancing will receive a significant boost.
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MBB vs Nairobi City Thunder starters
MBB: Robinson Opong, Teafale Lenard Jr., Pieter Prinsloo, Jovan Mooring, Omar Thielemans
NCT: Garang Diing Akol Diing, Eugene Phillips Adera, Albert Einstein Onyango Odero, Ariel Okall Okoll Koranga, Tylor Okari Ongwae
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