Nairobi City Thunder’s hopes of securing a spot in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs finals were dashed following a defeat to Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli at the BK Arena in Kigali. In a crucial Nile Conference matchup, the Libyan side showcased their dominance with a 104-91 victory, handing the Kenyan champions their fourth loss of the tournament.
From the outset, Al Ahli Tripoli asserted control, winning the first three quarters convincingly. The scoreboard read 32-24 after the first quarter, followed by 24-17 in the second, and 27-18 in the third, leaving Nairobi City Thunder trailing significantly. Although the Kenyan team managed to win the final quarter 32-21, it was not enough to bridge the wide gap established earlier in the game.
The win marked a significant milestone for Al Ahli Tripoli, making them the first team in the Nile Conference to secure a playoff spot for the BAL finals, which will be held in Pretoria, South Africa, from June 6 to 14. Their commanding performance throughout the group stages had cemented their status as serious contenders for the continental crown.
A key figure in Al Ahli Tripoli’s victory was Jean Jacques, who delivered a standout performance, earning him the game’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors. He scored 26 points, converting 9 of his 19 field goal attempts and hitting 3 of 8 from beyond the three-point line. His efficiency on both ends of the court was instrumental in setting the tone and pace of the game.
Following the match, Jean Jacques emphasized his team’s ambitions, making it clear that qualification was only the beginning. “I didn’t come here just to qualify. As long as it’s five-on-five, I’m here to win,” he stated confidently. His words reflected the hunger and determination of the Libyan side, who remain undefeated in the group stage and appear poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
For Nairobi City Thunder, the loss was a tough setback. Despite moments of brilliance, particularly from their Power Forward Tyler Ongwae, who averaged 14 points and 6.3 rebounds throughout the competition, the team struggled to contain the aggressive offense unleashed by Al Ahli Tripoli. Their defense was repeatedly breached, and although they showed resilience in the final quarter, their late rally fell short of overturning the deficit.
This defeat means the Thunder’s journey in this year’s BAL is now focused on pride and finishing strong in the remaining fixtures. They will face stiff competition in their final group matches against South Africa’s MBB and Rwanda’s APR, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday respectively. These games offer the Thunder a chance to regroup and showcase their skills despite their playoff hopes being extinguished.
Meanwhile, the basketball community’s attention shifts to Pretoria, where Al Ahli Tripoli will prepare to carry their impressive form into the playoffs. Their combination of strategic offense and solid defense has made them favorites to challenge for the BAL title. As they continue their quest for continental glory, other teams will need to elevate their performances to match the intensity and quality demonstrated by the Libyan side.
Overall, Nairobi City Thunder’s campaign was marked by moments of promise but ultimately fell short of the playoff target. The experience gained in this competitive environment, however, will serve as a valuable building block for the team’s future ambitions. For Al Ahli Tripoli, the path ahead looks bright as they head into the next phase of the competition with confidence and momentum.
