Shame as Kenya Morans hand Tunisia walkover in AfroBasket qualifiers

Kenya Morans Taylor Ongwae (right) in action against Ivory Coast in Kigali Rwanda.[Courtesy-FIBA]

Kenya's national basketball team, the Morans, suffered an embarrassing setback after failing to show up for their opening match against Tunisia in the second round of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers in Tripoli, Libya. The team's late arrival resulted in an automatic 20-0 walkover defeat, dealing a major blow to their qualification hopes.

FIBA confirmed the development in an official statement: "Due to Kenya's late arrival in Tripoli (Libya), the team did not appear for their scheduled game against Tunisia on 21 February 2025. As a result, the game has been forfeited in favour of Tunisia."

This was a crucial game for Kenya, who were hoping to start the second phase of the qualifiers strongly after a mixed performance in the first round. Last year, they lost 90-69 to Tunisia and 88-58 to Angola but salvaged their campaign with an 80-74 win over Guinea.

Now, the Morans find themselves in a precarious position, needing to win both of their remaining matches to keep their AfroBasket hopes alive. They face Angola on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. before taking on Guinea on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Head coach Cliff Owuor will hope the return of star forward Tylor Ongwae sparks a turnaround. Ongwae, playing his first FIBA game for Kenya since January 2022, initially retired after the 2021 AfroBasket tournament but made a surprise U-turn earlier this year. His presence will be vital as the Morans look to bounce back.

Also rejoining the squad is towering center Bush Wamukota, who last featured for Kenya in the 2023 FIBA AfroCan. The 31-year-old defensive specialist is expected to strengthen Kenya's interior play, bringing his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess.

Kenya will also have a fresh face in KPA's Salim Kisilu, who is set to make his international debut. However, the squad will miss experienced players like Faheem Juma, Ariel Ortega, and Ariel Okal, the latter absent due to compassionate reasons.

With their AfroBasket dream hanging by a thread, the Morans must regroup quickly and deliver against Angola and Guinea to keep their qualification hopes alive.