Kenya face Mali in AfroBasket decider

Kenya Morans Ariel Okall in action against Nigeria in Kigali, Rwanda.[Courtesy-FIBA]

Morans power forward Ariel Okall is optimistic Kenya will qualify for the quarterfinals at the ongoing FIBA AfroBasket Championships in Kigali, Rwanda despite losing two opening matches.

Kenya lost 88-70 and 71-55 to Ivory Coast and Nigeria respectively in their Group C matches played on Wednesday and Friday.

Speaking to the Standard Sports from Kigali, Okall said they are calm and composed ahead of their final group match today against Mali from 1pm East African Time.

He assured Kenyans that the two loses won’t be affecting the morale of the team.

“No! The team is not under pressure. So far so good, we have a positive and focused,” said the Oman-based forward.

Kenya are bottom of Group C with two points, same as Mali who have also lost their two opening matches. Mali lost 81-73 to Nigeria and 90-67 to Ivory Coast.

The winner between Kenya and Mali will qualify for the quarterfinal stages next week and Okall

“Our main goal is to advance to the next stage. We are going to do everything possible in this do or die match and fly the Kenyan flag higher,” added the former KPA forward.

Leaders Ivory Coast and Nigeria who have four points each look set to qualify to the next stage in the wake of their meeting today.

Albert Odero is currently Morans best performer with a total of 31 points and 11 rebounds followed by Taylor Ongwae with 29 points and 9 rebounds.

Odero scored eight points in the opening match before dropping 23 points in the defeat to Nigeria with Ongwae doing the vice versa, dropping 25 points in the first game and four in the second.