Kenya’s 3×3 basketball team made a strong debut at the Africa Beach Games in Tunisia, clinching a well-deserved silver medal.
The quartet of Mary Lisa Omondi, MaryAnne Nyagaki, Margaret Nerea, and Madina Okot expressed their joy in bringing home silverware for their country.
In the final against Mali, the Kenyan team fought hard but ultimately fell short with a score of 18-10. Despite the loss, the team expressed immense pride in their performance and the achievement of securing a podium finish.
Team captain Mary Lisa, who played a pivotal role throughout the tournament, highlighted the team’s dedication and hard work from the start of their training camp in Nairobi. She acknowledged that there were small errors in defence and passing under the rim that needed improvement but emphasized their satisfaction with the team’s accomplishments.
Nerea shared the team’s joy and emphasized the significance of the medal. She expressed their delight in the recognition of their hard work, particularly noting their progress against Mali since their initial encounter in the group stages, where the gap was wider.
During the final, the Kenyan girls displayed determination to make their mark. However, with 8 minutes and 13 seconds played, they faced a setback when Nyagaki suffered a knee injury, temporarily leaving the court.
Despite the challenge, Nyagaki returned to the game, and Kenya fought hard to narrow the gap, with Nyagaki contributing two points from beyond the arc, bringing the score to 9-8 in favour of Mali.
Unfortunately, the Malians capitalized on Kenya’s misfortune, utilizing their shots and layups to go on a scoring run, extending their lead to 16-8. Despite a valiant effort in the final minutes, Kenya was unable to overcome the deficit.
Madina Okot emerged as Kenya’s top scorer in the match, accumulating six points, while Mali’s Alma Dembele matched the same number, leading the scoring for the West African team.
The Kenyan 3×3 basketball team showcased their skills, resilience, and determination throughout the tournament, leaving a mark in their inaugural appearance at the Africa Beach Games.
