Kenyan champions survive late pressure at Kasarani to stay unbeaten and move a step closer to BAL qualification.
Nairobi City Thunder held their nerve in the final seconds to beat South Africa’s Johannesburg Giants 86–83 in a tense Road to BAL Elite 16 East Division clash at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Thursday. The victory secured top spot in Group A and confirmed their place in the semifinals of the 2026 qualifiers.
Thunder started the game with energy and control, dominating the first quarter 24–14. That early lead proved crucial as the Giants grew stronger with each period, tightening their defence and forcing Thunder into difficult possessions. The visitors won all the remaining three quarters but could not overturn the first-quarter damage.
Albert Odero, the 2024 Kenya MVP, delivered another standout performance for Thunder. He scored the decisive basket late in the fourth quarter with the game at 84–83, finishing with a team-high 21 points. Captain Tylor Ongwae added 18 points while forward Robert Thomas contributed 14. Eugene Adera produced a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds to steady Thunder during key stretches.
For the Giants, Dhieu Abwok Deing was outstanding with 27 points, five rebounds and six assists. Joshua Eromosele Ozabor added 25 points, while Sandile Sibanyoni scored 15 and caused problems on the boards throughout the night.
The final minutes delivered the drama expected at this stage of the Road to BAL. Thunder held an 84–79 lead before Giants forced turnovers and cut the gap to a single point. As tension rose inside Kasarani, Thunder’s composure on defence and at the rim kept them ahead. Odero’s strong baseline move and finish in the closing seconds restored a three-point lead that Thunder protected until the buzzer.
Thunder coach Bradley Ibs praised his players for staying calm under pressure, noting the resilience shown during the late surge from Giants. Giants coach Ngwenya said the slow start cost them, pointing to offensive rebounds as a major problem.
Thunder had opened their Elite 16 campaign with a commanding 89–62 win over Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers, and remain unbeaten heading into the semifinals.
They will now face Ferroviário da Beira of Mozambique, who have long experience in continental competition. Johannesburg Giants will meet Dar City Basketball Team of Tanzania in the other semifinal.
The two finalists will qualify for the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) in Kigali, setting up a high-stakes finish that keeps Thunder firmly in the hunt for a historic return to the continent’s top stage.
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