Combative Kenya Morans lose FIBA AfroBasket opening match to higher-ranked Cote d’Ivoire

Kenya Morans got off to a losing start in the 30^th edition of the FIBA AfroBasket championships going on in Kigali, Rwanda.

The brave Kenyans, coached by Australian Liz Mills, were combative throughout their encounter before crashing 70-88 against Ivory Coast.

Even though Kenya trailed by more than a dozen points early in the game, they managed to tie the contest at 39-39 at the break, leaving the ‘Elephants’ of Cote d’Ivoire wondering how to get away with a win against a lower-ranked team that returned to the tournament for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Former NBA player Matt Costello made his Cote d’Ivoire debut with team-highs of 20 points and eight rebounds and three other Ivorians – including Stephane Konate, 41 – scored 11 points or more each.

“Ivory Coast put a lot of pressure on us and we couldn’t handle it. We turned the ball over 20 times, that’s what determined the game,” said Tylor Ongwae, who finished with a game-high 25 points.

Ongwae was the only Kenyan to score in double digits.

“I played well, but it doesn’t matter if we lose the game. Next, I think my teammates will come up and our confidence will be up.”

Kenya head coach Liz Mills looked defiant after the game, saying: “I actually don’t think Cote d’Ivoire beat us, we beat ourselves. We were in it for 35 minutes.”

Kenya are currently bottom of Group C behind Mali, tied on a single point each, while Nigeria share the top alongside Cote d’Ivoire with two points each.

PHOTO/COURTESY