Nairobi City Thunder continues its journey toward Basketball Africa League (BAL) qualification as they gear up to face Cape Verde’s Kriol Star this Friday, November 29, at the Nyayo Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 PM, with the Kenyan champions looking to secure a second consecutive win in the ongoing East Division Elite 16 tournament.
In their opening game, Thunder delivered a dominant 102-59 victory over South Africa’s MBB Blue Soldiers. Nigerien star Abdoulaye Harouna led the charge, showcasing his experience and skill to steer the team to an emphatic win. This performance has set the tone for their campaign, with Thunder hoping to capitalize on their home-court advantage and maintain the momentum.
Facing them is Kriol Star, a formidable opponent boasting a roster featuring standout players like Kenneti Mendes and Joel Almeida. Both teams enter this clash riding on first-day wins, with Kriol Star defeating Malawi’s Bravehearts 89-58.
Thunder will need to overcome a nervy start seen in their previous match, where MBB Blue Soldiers tested their resilience in the opening quarter before they found their rhythm to dominate the rest of the game. Harouna, a veteran of all previous BAL editions, acknowledged the challenges but remains optimistic about their prospects.
“This is a special opportunity for us as a team and for Kenyan basketball. Our aim is to secure a spot in Monday’s semifinals and keep this dream alive,” he noted.
The stakes are high for Thunder as they chase a historic qualification for Kenya in BAL’s fifth edition. Victory against Kriol Star would be a significant step forward in achieving this ambitious goal.
